Ex-employee sues Twitter in 'class action lawsuit' for gender discrimination

Twitter is the latest Silicon Valley firm to join the league of companies facing lawsuits for gender discrimination as a former employee working with the micro-blogging platform claimed that its promotion process "unlawfully" favoured men.

In a class action suit filed in San Francisco on Thursday, ex-Twitter employee Tina Huang alleged that the firm relied on a "black box" style of promotion, wherein employees are informed about open positions via a mysterious "shoulder tap" process, reported The Verge.

This "fraternity-esque promotional style" replaces any formal job postings, the lawsuit said.

Huang argued that she was overlooked for a promotion and ultimately let go after she complained about it.

The suit argued that a largely male upper management was responsible for all the hiring decisions which gave rise to an environment that favoured men, intentional or not.

Twitter responded to the allegation by saying that Huang left the company on her own terms and added that the company was deeply committed to "a diverse and supportive workplace." It also said that facts will show that Huang was treated "fairly" by the company.