- By Shivangi Sharma
- Thu, 27 Nov 2025 05:07 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt is facing allegations from his ex-partner, 31-year-old Michelle Ritter, who has accused the billionaire of rape, surveillance, coercive control, and psychological manipulation over the course of their four-year relationship. Ritter says she met Schmidt in 2020 through a business contact while pitching StarX Networks, a startup idea that allowed fans to invest in athletes’ performance.
At the time, she was a 26-year-old Columbia University student, while Schmidt was 65, married, and newly retired from Google with a personal fortune exceeding USD 48 billion.
According to Ritter, Schmidt initially presented himself as a mentor and potential investor. But her complaint says his approach became an "unrelenting pursuit" of a romantic relationship, one she eventually accepted only after he assured her that his marriage was over. Schmidt, who has been linked to several younger women in the past, is still married to Wendy Schmidt, his wife of 45 years.
Allegations Of Rape, Coercion And Secret Recordings
In her filings, Ritter alleges Schmidt raped her on two occasions, once aboard a yacht in 2021 and again in 2023. She also claims he secretly photographed and filmed her while she was naked, including entering the bathroom to photograph her in the shower.
Accoridng to a report by DailyMail, Ritter describes the behaviour as part of a system of coercive control in which Schmidt manipulated, monitored, and psychologically pressured her. “He tried to convince me I enjoyed the assault,” she alleges.
She also claims Schmidt manipulated her digital accounts, saying emails and documents would disappear “as if someone else were controlling her keystrokes.” According to her filing, Schmidt allegedly boasted about creating a “backdoor” into Google’s servers, allowing him to access private data from employees and beyond.
High-Profile Access And Influence
During their relationship, Ritter says Schmidt involved her in major professional matters. She claims she helped edit his book co-authored with Henry Kissinger, advised him on a possible Biden administration role, and contributed to his Senate testimony. Schmidt also allegedly sought her input on purchasing the Washington Commanders NFL team.
Their relationship reportedly ended in early 2024 after photos surfaced of Schmidt with a 22-year-old woman. Ritter alleges the harassment worsened afterward, culminating in a November 7 incident in which Schmidt allegedly broke into her Tesla outside Nobu Malibu and stole her laptop, a moment she says was captured by CCTV.
Schmidt has denied all allegations, accusing Ritter of “compulsive lying,” mismanaging their business ventures, stealing over USD 1 million in property, and attempting to extort him. He also claims she violated their agreement by refusing to vacate a Beverly Hills mansion.