Tinder Co-founder Alleges Hostile Work Environment

Sexual harassment in the workplace can quickly cause a hostile environment. When the sexual harassment is being directed to a co-founder of a company from another co-founder, things can go bad rather quickly. That is what is alleged in a recent lawsuit filed by the female co-founder of the dating app Tinder. This case might interest California readers who have been hearing about the unfriendly stance Silicone Valley seems to have now toward women.

The female co-founder says she was subjected to sexual harassment and discrimination over the course of 18 months. In 2012, she and her boss started a romantic relationship, according to the lawsuit she has filed. She says that she was subjected to sexually demeaning comments after the relationship went sour. She also says that she was harassed via text messages.

She says that she is the one who came up with the name Tinder for the company, but alleges that she was eventually stripped of her co-founder title when she was told that having a “girl founder” took value away from the company.

In this woman’s case, the discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace were so bad that she was forced to resign from her position. The final straw for her was when her ex-flame called her a whore at a company party.

Nobody should have to deal with a hostile work environment for any reason. Taking legal action against a company that allows sexual harassment to continue is possible. Knowing how to file the complaint and understanding the process can help you to prepare for your case.

Source: Reuters, “Former executive sues dating app Tinder, alleges sexual harassment,” Sarah McBride, June 30, 2014