Michelle Ritter, the 31-year-old former mistress of Eric Schmidt, the ex-CEO of Google, has accused him of stalking, abuse, and exhibiting “toxic masculinity.” She claims their relationship was marred by disputes over money, a failed AI startup, and his mansion in Bel Air, alleging she was subjected to an extensive digital surveillance system, according to reports.
Documents obtained by the Post indicate that Ritter, who has reportedly had an open marriage with Schmidt’s wife of 45 years, filed for a temporary restraining order against the 70-year-old tech executive late last year.
Early in December, Ritter and Schmidt had reached a written settlement that required a “substantial payment,” as per a filing in Los Angeles County Superior Court. However, just a week later, she filed a domestic violence restraining order against him. Interestingly, three weeks after that, they seemingly arrived at another agreement.
In her initial request for a TRO—a request that she later withdrew—Ritter claimed Schmidt had barred her from accessing the website for her startup, Steel Perlot, which he had invested $100 million in. She noted his technical expertise made privacy virtually impossible, stating, “You literally can’t make a private phone call or send a private email without being monitored.”
Ritter, significantly younger than Schmidt, also alleged that he had pressured her to sign a gag order concerning allegations of sexual assault and harassment. Specific details of these allegations weren’t further expanded upon in the court documents.
Ritter’s attorney from Los Angeles declined to comment, as did Schmidt’s spokesperson. In a legal response from Schmidt’s lawyers, they labeled Ritter’s claims as a misuse of the judicial system. Most of these legal arguments seem to be geared toward an upcoming court hearing.
In her December application for the TRO, Ritter expressed concern about the power imbalance in their relationship, feeling it hindered her ability to live peacefully and access her data and finances. Additionally, she alleged that her parents were followed shortly before her filing and that the private investigator involved acknowledged working for a “billionaire’s private security office.”
Ritter’s application noted that she was staying at Schmidt’s mansion, which he bought for $61 million. She requested exclusive access to this property as well as court protection for her German shepherd, Henry.
In reports, it’s mentioned that Ritter was still residing in the mansion and preparing to move out, taking steps to separate her life from Schmidt’s. A few weeks later, she alleged that Schmidt had not adhered to their contract.
The ongoing arbitration process has been contentious, with Schmidt indicating that Ritter might struggle to cover the arbitration fee. As their legal battles unfold, it seems the tensions and disputes surrounding their relationship are far from resolved.
Schmidt’s past relationships have drawn attention, as he has been known for dating younger women and has publicly spoken about the challenges of dating in the era of AI. His history includes numerous high-profile romances, which, coupled with his influential status in Silicon Valley, adds another layer to this unfolding drama.
