Corporate workplace misconduct
Major sexual harassment and misconduct cases at large companies with significant litigation.
15 developments, 2017–2023, oldest first.
2017
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Former Uber engineer Susan Fowler says company ignored harassment reports
Former engineer Susan Fowler published an account alleging Uber's HR department ignored her reports of sexual harassment by a manager.
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Uber orders investigation led by Eric Holder into harassment claims
CEO Travis Kalanick announced an urgent investigation into the allegations, later led by former Attorney General Eric Holder.
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Uber fires more than 20 employees after harassment investigation
Uber dismissed more than 20 employees following a law firm's review of complaints including sexual harassment.
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Holder report urges sweeping changes as Kalanick takes leave
Uber released recommendations from Eric Holder's review calling for broad workplace and governance reforms, and Kalanick announced a leave of absence.
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Travis Kalanick resigns as Uber CEO under investor pressure
Kalanick resigned as chief executive after major investors demanded he step down amid scandals including the company's handling of harassment.
2018
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McDonald's workers vote to strike over sexual harassment
Workers in multiple cities voted to hold a one-day strike demanding that McDonald's address sexual harassment at its restaurants.
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Report: Google paid Andy Rubin $90 million exit after misconduct claim
A New York Times investigation reported Google paid Android creator Andy Rubin a $90 million exit package after finding a misconduct claim against him credible. Rubin denied the allegation.
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Google employees worldwide walk out over handling of sexual harassment
Thousands of Google employees walked out to protest the company's treatment of executives accused of misconduct and demand an end to forced arbitration.
2019
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McDonald's faces new wave of sexual harassment charges
Workers filed 25 new complaints and lawsuits alleging sexual harassment at McDonald's restaurants, adding to earlier EEOC charges.
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McDonald's fires CEO Steve Easterbrook over relationship with employee
McDonald's ousted Easterbrook for violating company policy by having a consensual relationship with an employee.
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Uber to pay $4.4 million to resolve EEOC sexual harassment charge
Uber agreed to a $4.4 million fund for employees after an EEOC investigation found a culture that permitted sexual harassment and retaliation.
2020
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NYT investigation describes culture of misogyny inside Victoria's Secret
A New York Times investigation reported allegations of harassment and bullying of models and employees, centered on former marketing chief Ed Razek, who denied them.
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Alphabet settles shareholder suits over harassment, commits $310 million to diversity
Alphabet settled shareholder suits over its handling of misconduct by executives, agreeing to governance reforms and a $310 million diversity and inclusion commitment.
2021
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Ousted McDonald's CEO Easterbrook returns $105 million
Easterbrook agreed to return more than $105 million to settle McDonald's lawsuit accusing him of concealing other relationships with employees.
2023
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SEC charges Easterbrook with misleading investors about his firing
The SEC charged Easterbrook with misleading investors about the circumstances of his termination; he agreed to a $400,000 penalty and an officer-and-director bar without admitting or denying the findings.