SF-Based Pinterest Agrees To Pay $22 Million To Settle Gender Discrimination Lawsuit
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF/KPIX) -- Pinterest has agreed to pay more than $22 million to settle a gender discrimination lawsuit brought by the company's former chief operating officer, Francoise Brougher.
San Francisco-based Pinterest did not admit to any liability.
Under the deal, Pinterest will also pay $2.5 million to charities that support women and underrepresented minorities in technology.
In the lawsuit, filed in San Francisco Superior Court, Brougher, a top executive at the online 'pinning' company, accused Pinterest of leaving her out high-level meetings, paying her less than her male colleagues, and other sexist treatment. Hundreds of employees staged a virtual walkout in support of her claims.
"I'm glad Pinterest took this very seriously," Brougher told the New York Times. "I'm hoping it's a first step in creating a better work environment there."
In a statement the company said:
Pinterest recognizes the importance of fostering a workplace environment that is diverse, equitable and inclusive and will continue its actions to improve its culture.