Alphabet sued over concealment of sexual harassment

Two American pension funds filed lawsuits against Alphabet’s board, seeking hundreds of millions in damages tied to what plaintiffs call a culture of concealment around credible sexual harassment allegations within Google and to the prelude of the Google+ data leak. The suits argue negligent governance harmed the company’s productivity and brand, noting the Google Walkout as evidence of reputational damage. In addition to monetary claims, the plaintiffs urge governance reforms, including the addition of three independent directors to Alphabet’s board and a commitment by leadership to address sexual harassment and unequal treatment of women and men. The case also highlights a widely cited 90 million dollar severance paid to Android founder Andy Rubin despite credible harassment claims. While the outcome remains uncertain, the action underscores ongoing scrutiny of corporate culture and accountability at major tech firms and their subsidiaries.