An accusation has emerged from Michelle Ritter, who previously involved with former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. She alleges that Schmidt, now 70, raped her and invaded her privacy with hidden cameras, as detailed in shocking court documents.
Ritter, a 31-year-old tech entrepreneur, filed a 70-page complaint alleging serious charges of sexual assault, harassment, domestic violence, and violations related to computer hacking laws in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
This legal conflict began in 2020 when their relationship turned sour, leading to various abuse claims and betrayal accusations. It underscores the intertwining of personal life and high-stakes business dynamics in Silicon Valley.
Ritter claims that during a sailing trip in November 2021, Schmidt confronted her in the shower, pinned her against a wall, and raped her despite her protests. “The next morning, he tried to convince me I had enjoyed it,” she states in her complaint.
She also describes a troubling incident at the Burning Man festival in August 2023, where she alleges that Schmidt engaged in sexual acts while she was asleep and disregarded her clear refusals, stating that resisting only intensified the situation.
Moreover, she claims Schmidt pressured her into sexual acts and used hidden cameras to record her without consent, even entering bathrooms while she was showering.
Amidst allegations of physical abuse, Ritter recalls multiple instances where Schmidt reportedly pushed her violently, causing visible injuries and shouting threats in close proximity. There was one alleged incident in New York where he even shoved her against a desk.
Describing Schmidt’s behavior as erratic, she mentions occasions when he exposed himself to crew members on a private jet and exhibited bizarre behaviors like bringing marijuana aboard.
With a solid educational background—having graduated from Johns Hopkins University and Columbia University—Ritter originally met Schmidt through business dealings in September 2020. They co-founded Steel Perlot, a startup incubator known for launching various businesses.
She claims Schmidt influenced her work significantly, advising her on governmental appointments and even contributing to his Senate testimonies.
Ritter has accused him of making degrading comments about her appearance and pressuring her to meet unrealistic standards at professional meetings, highlighting a toxic dynamic throughout their relationship.
Despite being married for 45 years, Schmidt reportedly maintained an open marriage with his wife, Wendy.
Schmidt’s legal representation has dismissed Ritter’s allegations as defiant attempts to distract from a business disagreement, contending her claims to be false and damaging.
Meanwhile, Ritter’s attorney pointed out the power imbalance highlighting how a wealthy, influential figure allegedly exploited a younger woman for personal satisfaction.
The relationship deteriorated in early 2024 after leaked photos of Schmidt with another young woman surfaced, which Ritter claims led to increased surveillance of her personal life.
Ritter has alleged that Schmidt installed spyware on her devices, leading her to see evidence of unauthorized access to her emails and documents. She accuses him of accessing Google servers, disrupting her professional affairs, and even engaging in questionable legal maneuvers to assert control over their joint business ventures.
Allegations include forged signatures, fabricated messages on her phone, and a breech of trust related to their living arrangements, as she claims he locked her out of their apartment.
Ritter also shares troubling incidents regarding surveillance, stating that private investigators were reportedly monitoring her family under Schmidt’s orders.
She filed for a temporary restraining order in December, although some claims were notably retracted under pressure from Schmidt’s legal team.
The legal journey initiated in September features sealed documents, with recent filings invoking a law designed to prevent forced arbitration for sexual abuse allegations, emphasizing the need for transparency.
To date, Schmidt maintains that his defense is sound and argues the core of the dispute relates to Ritter’s management of the company they shared.
Furthermore, Schmidt has been known for high-profile romances through the years and has previously engaged in discussions about the implications of technology on modern dating.
