In early March, it was revealed that Google’s parent company Alphabet had paid former executive Amit Singhal close to $45 million dollars when he resigned back in 2016. This was in light of a sexual harassment controversy; he had been accused of groping one of his coworkers. Singhal was a Google senior vice president at the time. Alphabet admitted to the payment during a recent shareholder lawsuit, and the company was blamed for misconduct.
The suit was filed by a company shareholder. Singhal quietly resigned amidst the allegations, and then received a lump sum payment. He was able to obtain another job with Uber in 2017. However, he was asked to resign just a month later for not sharing information about the Google sexual harassment case. Singhal wrote that he never committed these types of behaviors and that he left Google on his own accord.
Another Exit Package
Amit Singhal is not the only executive that received compensation after being accused of sexual harassment. The shareholder lawsuit also mentioned that another former Google executive had also faced similar accusations and was paid $90 million without a reason given for his resignation. This amount was reported by the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. It was also revealed that he received a stock grant valued at $150 million.
The money was called a “goodbye present”, with the note that the defendant exhibited “egregious sexual harassment” while at Google. The accused’s lawyer denies the allegations, although he acknowledged a consensual relationship with a company employee.
Executive Privileges?
Last fall, Google stated that 48 employees had been fired for sexual harassment, and 13 of them were senior managers or had higher positions. It was added that none of them received exit packages. The packages received by the above were designed by Google co-founder and Alphabet CEO Larry Page, along with the Alphabet Board of Directors. Although the board’s compensation committed offered to pay the Google executive $650,000 plus a bonus opportunity, he declined. He received the $150 million stock grant in August of 2014. This happened during the same time that his misconduct investigation was taking place.
With all this in mind, it is clear that company executives and possibly others are not being held accountable for acts of sexual harassment. It can be challenging to prove their actions, especially when the abuser holds a powerful position. It can also be hard to realize when it is occurring, especially in the beginning stages. The harassment takes place in companies of all sizes, and at other locations as well.
Middletown Sexual Harassment Lawyers at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. Hold Harassers Accountable for their Misconduct
If you have been sexually harassed by another individual, sound legal guidance is available. Contact the experienced Middletown sexual harassment lawyers in our Red Bank office at 732-842-6500, our Marlton office at 856-985-9800, our Newark office at 973-878-9040, or contact us at 888-396-0736 or online for a free consultation. We represent clients throughout New Jersey.