Many of our Florida readers are familiar with the Tinder mobile app, designed to make it easier for people to meet. While this app has taken off since its release in 2012, the company has not been without its problems along the way.
Most recently, the chief marketing officer was suspended after the company’s former vice president of marketing brought forth a sexual harassment lawsuit. The lawsuit makes a variety of claims against the CMO, including the fact that he called her a vulgar name in front of the company’s chief executive officer. Along with this, it states she was subjected to many “sexist, racist, and otherwise inappropriate comments, emails, and text messages” during her employment.
The fact that the CMO and the woman were involved in a relationship only makes the case more complex, with the lawsuit claiming he told her to stay away from other men after their breakup. Despite the fact that the company may be able to dispute some of the claims, the text messages included as evidence are clear as day. The company issued a statement, noting the following:
“Immediately upon receipt of the allegations contained in [the former marketing VP’s] complaint, [the CMO] was suspended pending an ongoing internal investigation. Through that process, it has become clear that [the CMO] sent private messages to [the former marketing VP] containing inappropriate content. We unequivocally condemn these messages, but believe that [the former marketing VP’s] allegations with respect to Tinder and its management are unfounded.”
This story shows that sexual harassment is still present in today’s workplace, and if a person steps over the line, he or she could face severe consequences.
Source: TechCrunch, “Tinder Suspends Co-Founder In Wake Of Sexual Harassment Lawsuit,” July 1, 2014.
