Universal Pictures did not engage in racial discrimination when it fired a black assistant director from the film “2 Fast 2 Furious,” a federal judge ruled.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued Universal, a unit of General Electric Co., four years ago on behalf of Frank Davis, who was hired as first assistant director on the 2003 film, Associated Press informs.

Davis was hired by director John Singleton, who is also black, but later fired. Davis claimed he was the victim of discrimination. Universal claimed he was fired for poor job performance.
On Thursday, Judge Gary Allen Fees sided with Universal.

''The evidence convincingly demonstrates that Davis lacked the background and experience'' to serve as first assistant director, Fees wrote. He said Davis' ''inadequate performance, not race,'' persuaded Universal to replace him.

Last month, David settled his lawsuit with Universal for an undisclosed sum. The trial continued, however, after the EEOC decided to pursue the claim.

''I am extremely pleased with the court's decision today, which is a complete vindication for Universal and its employees,'' Ron Meyer, president and chief operating officer of Universal Studios said in a statement.

Anna Park, an EEOC regional attorney, said she was disappointed by the ruling but pleased Davis received a settlement.

''Despite today's decision, we hope individuals who feel discriminated against in Hollywood know that they can come forward to complain about discrimination,'' Park said in a statement.

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