Ex-CEO Steve Easterbrook, 53, responded to McDonald’s lawsuit that aims at taking back his separation package. When he was fired “without cause” in November 2019, Easterbrook received a lucrative settlement. That includes stock awards, severance, and health insurance benefits estimated at up to $42 million, which McDonald’s seeks to recoup.
The McDonald’s lawsuit filed in the Court of the Chancery of the State of Delaware alleges that Easterbrook committed fraud, lied, destroyed evidence, and violated corporate policy by having sex with three of his subordinates. McDonald’s also claims to have photographic and video evidence of the indiscretions.
Easterbrook responds to McDonald’s lawsuit
Easterbrook’s lawyers responded to the claims McDonald’s made in its August 10 lawsuit, by filing a motion to dismiss on Friday.
“McDonald’s Corporation filed a meritless — and misleading — lawsuit in the wrong forum,” Easterbrook’s attorney said in the filing.
“McDonald’s — a sophisticated entity represented by numerous internal and external experts when it entered into the separation agreement, is aware it cannot credibly allege a breach of contract claim.” the attorneys added.