Eric Schmidt's Ex-Girlfriend Files Lawsuit Alleging Digital Surveillance and Abuse in High-Profile Tech Scandal

Michelle Ritter, former girlfriend of Eric Schmidt, has filed accusations against the former Google CEO for stalking, abuse, and what she describes as "toxic masculinity." She claims Schmidt implemented extensive digital surveillance during their conflicts over finances, a failed AI venture, and access to his Bel Air property. According to the New York Post, Ritter sought a temporary restraining order against 70-year-old Schmidt, who has maintained an open marriage with his wife Wendy for 45 years.

Last December 11, Ritter submitted court documents with serious allegations, just one week after reaching a settlement agreement with Schmidt that included substantial financial compensation, as revealed in documents obtained by The Post.

Her domestic violence restraining order accused Schmidt of denying her access to Steel Perlot, her AI startup that had received $100 million in funding from him. This order was subsequently withdrawn after the parties negotiated a new agreement.

"Please note Eric's technical background. I literally cannot have a private phone call or send a private email without surveillance," Ritter stated in her filing.

"My former partner is extraordinarily powerful and capable and has used every mean[s] to block me from getting access to secure data, devices, finances, or businesses, or to simply live my life in peace," her allegations continued.

Ritter, who is 39 years Schmidt's junior, claims he pressured her to accept a gag order regarding sexual assault or harassment allegations and sign a false statement denying such claims, though specific details about these allegations were not provided in the unredacted court documents.

Schmidt's legal team filed an 82-page response on October 8, describing Ritter's allegations as "demonstrably false" and a "blatant abuse of the judicial system." Most of this response remains redacted prior to a December 4 court hearing. His attorneys, led by Patricia Glaser, have requested the court documents be sealed, with the court yet to make a determination on this request.

In her December filing, Ritter alleged that Schmidt leveraged his influence to control various aspects of her life, restricting her access to data, devices, financial resources, and business ventures. She claimed that two days before filing, private investigators followed her parents to and from a dinner in Los Angeles. When questioned by police, one investigator reportedly stated he worked for a "billionaire's private security detail" and wouldn't disturb his employer.

Ritter's filing indicated she was residing in Schmidt's Bel Air mansion, purchased for $61 million. She requested exclusive access to this property and protection for her German Shepherd, Henry. The residence features classic Hollywood elements, including an elegant staircase and manicured gardens with a koi pond.

On December 17, Ritter and Schmidt reached an amended settlement agreement, prompting Ritter to withdraw her restraining order request on January 6. However, Ritter now claims Schmidt has failed to fulfill his obligations, attempting to "win by economic and resource attrition" while she struggles to cover a $75,000 arbitration fee. A court hearing is scheduled for December 4 in Los Angeles.

Schmidt, who led Google from 2001 to 2017 and transformed it into a technology powerhouse under founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, has earned the nickname Silicon Valley's 'Casanova' due to his relationships with significantly younger women, including fashion designers, socialites, and entrepreneurs. In 2019, he notably presented a 10-carat pink sapphire ring to then-girlfriend Alexandra Duisberg, fueling engagement speculation.