Explosive Allegations Rock Silicon Valley
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, one of the most powerful figures in technology, is confronting severe accusations of sexual assault, domestic abuse, and illegal surveillance from his former partner, tech entrepreneur Michelle Ritter. The shocking claims emerged through newly released court documents in Los Angeles County Superior Court, revealing a pattern of alleged abusive behavior during their relationship that began in 2020.
Detailed Allegations of Abuse and Surveillance
According to the legal filings, Ritter accused Schmidt of raping her on two separate occasions - once aboard a yacht in 2021 and again in 2023. The 31-year-old entrepreneur detailed how the 70-year-old tech billionaire subjected her to what she describes as a sustained pattern of coercive control and abusive behavior throughout their relationship.
Ritter made particularly disturbing claims about Schmidt secretly photographing her without consent while she was naked. "On multiple occasions, Schmidt surreptitiously photographed me without my consent while I was naked, including entering the bathroom to take photographs while I was showering," she stated in court documents.
The allegations extend to sophisticated digital surveillance, with Ritter claiming Schmidt installed spyware on her electronic devices, accessed her private messages and documents, and even interfered with her emails in real time. Most alarmingly, she alleges that Schmidt boasted about creating a "backdoor" into Google systems that would enable access to private information - a claim Schmidt's representatives have vehemently denied as completely false.
Legal Battle and Denials
Schmidt's legal team, led by attorney Patricia Glaser, has rejected all accusations, labeling them as "false, defamatory and contradicted by Ritter's own statements." Schmidt's defense argues that the conflict actually stems from a business dispute, with his lawyers accusing Ritter of mismanagement, withholding property, and attempting to "extort" the billionaire.
Ritter's legal counsel maintains that the case reflects serious abuse by an immensely powerful individual who used his wealth and influence to control and intimidate a younger business partner. The complaint includes additional allegations of physical intimidation, inappropriate conduct in front of colleagues, and attempts by Schmidt to influence decisions at their shared companies, including Steel Perlot, where he had made substantial investments.
According to Ritter, the relationship deteriorated significantly after photographs surfaced showing Schmidt with another woman early last year. She claims this triggered intensified surveillance and harassment, including being followed by private investigators connected to Schmidt and discovering hidden cameras in her Los Angeles residence.
The matter is currently proceeding through private arbitration following a court order issued in September, keeping the proceedings away from public courtrooms.
