Apple has officially gone on the record regarding a US$40 million discrimination lawsuit filed by a former employee, calling the claim “baseless”. An Apple spokeswoman told the London Guardian Thursday, “We take this kind of accusation very seriously, but our investigation has shown this claim to be baseless and we intend to vigorously defend this lawsuit.” The lawsuit alledges Apple and Apple employee Dan Riccio denied an African-American product engineer promotion, stock options and the company of his fellow workers. The plaintiff has not been named in the suit because he fears that the publicity would damage his chances of finding new employment.