Former Tinder marketing VP Whitney Wolfe has filed a lawsuit against the dating app, accusing it of sexual harassment and discrimination, which makes it the latest tech business to be criticised over its conduct towards women.
In her lawsuit, Wolfe listed a series of alleged harassment incidents over 18 months starting in late 2012, while adding that the CEO Sean Rad and CMO Justin Mateen eliminated her title as co-founder due to her gender.
The lawsuit also alleged that Mateen had insulted her in public, by calling her a whore at a corporate party, while Rad was not interested in her complaints.
IAC/InterActive, which owns a majority stake in Los Angeles-based Tinder, told USA Today that immediately upon receipt of the allegations contained in Wolfe’s complaint, Mateen was suspended pending an ongoing internal investigation.
"Through that process, it has become clear that Mr. Mateen sent private messages to Ms. Wolfe containing inappropriate content.
"We unequivocally condemn these messages, but believe that Ms. Wolfe’s allegations with respect to Tinder and its management are unfounded."
Wolfe said in a statement to USA Today: "I had hoped this would be resolved confidentially, but after months of failed attempts, I have decided to pursue this suit."
