Easterbrook denies a cover-up of his sexual relationships with subordinates. He alleges that McDonald’s had all the information when the board of directors agreed to his separation package.
The filing states that at the time of the termination, McDonald’s had access to Easterbrook’s emails, which revealed his consensual relationship with an employee. They are also maintaining the McDonald’s board was aware of a special stock grant made to that employee. And that it was approved and performance-based.
Easterbrook asserts any agreements covering stock grants should be heard in an Illinois court, which is where McDonald’s is based. He accused the chain of filing the lawsuit when he was bound by a gag clause in his separation agreement.
To get his severance package, Easterbrook also agreed to a two-year noncompete clause that specified more than 40 companies. And he was required to write a letter for employees “acknowledging that he made a mistake,” according to the filing.
In a prepared statement Monday, McDonald’s said it stands by its complaint, “including the factual assertions and the court in which it was filed.”
