Phillips, who is white, was awarded $25 million in punitive damages and an additional $600,000 in compensatory damages. Phillips is reportedly seeking further compensation for lost wages, a move that could potentially increase the financial blow to Starbucks.

The case has its roots in a 2018 incident that sparked a nationwide controversy and put Starbucks in the crosshairs of a heated debate about racial bias. Two black men, Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson, were arrested while waiting for a business associate at a Starbucks location in Philadelphia. The store was one of many overseen by Phillips in her role as a regional manager.