Tinder suspends co-founder after sexual harassment lawsuit

Tinder, the online dating service, has suspended one of its co-founders after a former executive sued it for sexual harassment and discrimination, making it the latest technology company to face criticism over its treatment of women.

InterActiveCorp, the internet and media conglomerate that holds a majority stake in Tinder, said Justin Mateen, chief marketing officer, had been suspended while an internal investigation was carried out.

Whitney Wolfe, a former vice-president of marketing, filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles on Monday that alleged incidents of harassment over 18 months beginning in November 2012. IAC is also listed as a defendant, along with Match.com, another dating service it owns.

Among the allegations are that Ms Wolfe faced “a barrage” of public insults from Mr Mateen, with whom she had previously been romantically involved.

‘Girl founder’

The lawsuit also alleges that Ms Wolfe’s title as co-founder was removed by Mr Mateen and Sean Rad, chief executive, because they said having a 24-year-old “girl founder” would devalue the company.

Mr Rad and Sam Yagan, Match.com chief executive, are also alleged to have ignored Ms Wolfe’s complaints of harassment. The lawsuit alleges that Ms Wolfe offered to resign in April after Mr Mateen called her a “whore” at a company party but that Mr Rad rejected her offer and fired her.

IAC said it unequivocally condemned “inappropriate” messages Mr Mateen had sent Ms Wolfe but rejected allegations levelled against Tinder.

“Immediately upon receipt of the allegations contained in Ms Wolfe’s complaint, Mr Mateen was suspended pending an ongoing internal investigation,” it said on Monday. “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.”

Tinder, IAC and Mr Mateen could not be reached for further comment. The lawsuit is at an early stage and no defendants has filed a formal response yet.– (Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2014)