sexualassault
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Lawsuit accuses Google of hefty payouts to execs accused of misconduct
Google's handling of sexual misconduct by executives is coming under more scrutiny thanks to new details emerging from a shareholder lawsuit. Investors have claimed Google chief Larry Page granted Android creator Andy Rubin a $150 million stock grant without seeking approval of the board first, even though Rubin was under an investigation at the time. Page instead got "rubber stamp" approval eight days after the fact, according to the suit. It's not certain if he was aware of the investigation.
Fox investigates Neil deGrasse Tyson over sexual misconduct claims (updated)
Astrophysicist and Cosmos host Neil deGrasse Tyson is facing investigations by Fox, National Geographic and show producers in the wake of fresh claims of sexual misconduct. The two networks told Hollywood Reporter in a statement that they were "reviewing" allegations from two women in a Patheos story who accused deGrasse Tyson of groping and making unwanted sexual advances. The Cosmos team, meanwhile, said they would embody the philosophy of the show and "follow the evidence wherever it leads" with its investigation.
Google updates sexual harassment policies following protest
Google has faced quite a bit of criticism and pushback regarding how it has handled sexual harassment accusations in the past, and thousands of employees walked out of their offices in protest last week. Now, ahead of a company town hall meeting, Google CEO Sundar Pichai has released new policies that will guide how the company handles such accusations going forward. "Over the past few weeks Google's leaders and I have heard your feedback and have been moved by the stories you've shared," Pichai wrote. "We recognize that we have not always gotten everything right in the past and we are sincerely sorry for that. It's clear we need to make some changes."
Google reportedly paid Andy Rubin $90 million after misconduct probe
Android co-founder Andy Rubin left Google in 2014 and while it seemed at the time that he left on his own accord and that the split was amicable, reports surfaced last year that depicted a different situation. The Information, citing multiple sources, said that Rubin's departure was due to an investigation into an inappropriate relationship he had with a subordinate, a woman who later filed a complaint against Rubin with Google's HR department. While details of those claims and Rubin's exit were sparse, the New York Times now reports that Rubin was paid $90 million on his way out, despite the company finding the woman's claims credible.
Silicon Valley’s Brett Kavanaugh problem
As we steel ourselves to careen numbly toward whatever new horrors lay in store with Trump, his Supreme Court pick Brett Kavanaugh, and the conservative politicians willing to help them, it's impossible not to contemplate how deep and depraved the culture of silence actually goes here. USA Today wrote: "When Kavanaugh gave a speech in 2015 at Catholic University's Columbus School of Law and stated, 'What happens at Georgetown Prep stays at Georgetown Prep. That's been a good thing for all of us, I think,' he summed up the culture perfectly (...) It was their job to protect each other from their misdeeds no matter how big or alcohol-fueled. The boys kept each other's secrets."
3D-printed gun advocate Cody Wilson resigns from Defense Distributed
Cody Wilson, the man behind the 3D-printed gun company Defense Distributed, has stepped down as CEO of the company. Paloma Heindorff, who has taken over as the chief executive, said in a press conference today that it was Wilson's decision to resign and he would no longer have any role at the company.
CBS chief Les Moonves to step down amid new sexual assault claims (updated)
After weeks of swirling sexual misconduct allegations, CBS chief Les Moonves appears to be on the way out. CNN's executive sources have claimed that Moonves is about to step down now that an exit deal is effectively complete. CBS could announce the departure by the morning of September 10th, according to the insiders. Just how he'll leave isn't clear, but he may not have a gentle departure due to a follow-up exposé from The New Yorker detailing more claims of sexual assault and harassment.
US lawmakers demand answers from Uber about sexual assaults
A group of lawmakers has penned a letter asking Uber, Lyft and other ride-sharing services to explain (PDF) how they respond to accusations of sexual violence against their drivers. The lawmakers are seeking answers in light of a CNN report published earlier this month that said at least 103 Uber drivers in the US have been accused of and sued over sexual assault and abuse over the past four years. Ride-sharing companies don't usually share the number of sexual violence complaints against their drivers to the public, but the publication found those 103 instances by poring over court documents and police reports. CNN also discovered 18 cases accusing Lyft drivers of sexual assault within the same timeframe.
Lyft drops arbitration requirement for sexual assault cases
Uber isn't the only ridesharing company dropping forced arbitration for sexual assault cases. Lyft is following suit and removing its own arbitration requirement, including confidentiality agreements. This covers both passengers and workers, Lyft said. In other words, survivors can pursue cases in public court and freely share their experiences.
Uber won't force sexual assault survivors into arbitration
Uber is responding to mounting complaints about its forced arbitration for sexual assault and harassment cases. The ridesharing firm has announced that it's no longer requiring arbitration for these complaints. While that's still an option if survivors want privacy above all else, they're now free to seek justice in court (including through class action lawsuits) and, importantly, to freely discuss their cases. They previously had to hold to non-disclosure agreements that prevented them from drawing attention to systemic problems or even seeking outside help.
Pandora stops promoting R. Kelly’s music
Yesterday, Spotify pulled R. Kelly from its curated playlists, which include RapCaviar, Discover Weekly and New Music Friday, saying the allegations of sexual assault that have followed R. Kelly for years go against its new policy on hateful conduct. Now, Pandora is following suit. The company told The Blast that while users can still create an R. Kelly radio station or search for him, it will no longer promote his music.
CNN: At least 103 Uber drivers have been accused of sexual assault
It's no secret that Uber has been grappling with numerous sexual assault complaints against its drivers, but the company hasn't exactly been forthcoming when it comes to the number of cases it's facing. A CNN investigation has revealed, though, that at least 103 Uber drivers in the US have been accused of and sued over sexual assault and abuse over the past four years. The publication reviewed court documents and police reports from 20 states for the investigation, which has also revealed that at least 31 drivers have been convicted. Their crimes range from forcible touching and false imprisonment to rape.
Richard Branson is Virgin Hyperloop One’s new chairman (updated)
Earlier this month, Virgin Hyperloop One co-founder Shervin Pishevar took a leave of absence from the company and his venture capital firm Sherpa Capital following allegations of sexual harassment and a November arrest for rape that didn't result in a charge. Now, Axios reports that Hyperloop One has a new chairman -- Richard Branson.
Netflix fires exec who said Masterson accusers weren't believable
Last week, HuffPost reported that one of the women accusing actor Danny Masterson of rape was told by a Netflix executive that higher-ups at the company didn't believe the women making accusations against him. Now, that exec has been fired.
Uber to settle second lawsuit from India rape victim
Uber's determination to address its past scandals remains in effect. The ridesharing firm has agreed to settle the second lawsuit from the Indian rape victim who accused the company of improperly obtaining her medical records. While the company isn't commenting on the settlement or its terms, a court filing revealed that the two sides will formally reach a deal in June. The suit represented a particularly dark chapter for Uber, as it underscored the outfit's Kalanick-era tendency to fight legal challenges that few other companies would resist.
Amazon’s ‘Transparent’ hasn’t cut ties with Jeffrey Tambor yet
Last month, following accusations of sexual assault, Transparent actor Jeffrey Tambor released a statement that made it seem like he would be leaving the show. "Given the politicized atmosphere that seems to have afflicted our set, I don't see how I can return to Transparent," Tambor said. And while he has stated that he regrets if anything he did in the past was misinterpreted as aggressive, he has denied any purposeful wrongdoing. "The idea that I would deliberately harass anyone is simply and utterly untrue," Tambor said in a statement. However, the New York Times reports today that Tambor's departure is far from certain and the show is currently operating under a very unclear future.
Netflix cuts ties with Danny Masterson following rape allegations
The ongoing crackdown on sexual assault and harassment in the entertainment industry has led Netflix to pull a second high-profile actor following Kevin Spacey's removal from House of Cards. The streaming service has removed Danny Masterson from The Ranch in response to mounting pressure over rape allegations against the star. While he will still be present in a new season of the show that premieres on December 15th, he's being written out of the production. The Huffington Post understands that Masterson will still be present in some episodes for the next season.
Netflix cancels Louis C.K.’s second stand up special
Yesterday, the New York Times published a report on Louis C.K. that detailed numerous allegations of sexual misconduct being brought against the comic. And as Variety reports, Netflix is now joining HBO and film distributor Orchard in cutting ties with C.K.
TripAdvisor labels hotels involved in sexual assault cases
Travel reviews website TripAdvisor has launched a new badge notifying users that they may want to do more research about the hotel or resort they're looking at. "TripAdvisor has been made aware of recent media reports or events concerning this property which may not be reflected in reviews found on this listing," the notification says. "Accordingly, you may wish to perform additional research for information about this property when making your travel plans." The company promised to launch the badge after a report revealed that it deleted several users' reviews warning others of rape and assault that allegedly happened over the years in some of the highest-rated resorts on the website.
Uber will donate $5 million to sexual assault prevention
Uber's quest to reform its behavior now includes donations to good causes. The ridesharing firm has promised to contribute $5 million over 5 years to organizations that help prevent sexual assault and domestic violence. The initial round of pledges will go to groups like A Call to Men, the National Network to End Domestic Violence and NO MORE, with a focus on tackling "critical funding gaps" in marginalized communities.
