31-year-old entrepreneur Michelle Ritter alleges Schmidt exerted control over her personal life and startup; next court hearing scheduled for December 4 in Los Angeles.
Report: Husneara Choudhury
October 20, 2025— Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt (70) is facing a civil lawsuit filed by his former mistress Michelle Ritter (31), who alleges stalking, emotional abuse, and digital surveillance. Ritter is an entrepreneur and founder of the AI startup Steel Parlet. (nypost.com)
Ritter claims Schmidt used his technological resources to monitor her and restrict access to her startup’s systems, exerting control over both her personal life and business operations. Schmidt had previously invested $100 million in Ritter’s company.
In December 2024, Ritter entered into a confidential settlement agreement with Schmidt but later filed a domestic violence restraining order (TRO), which she subsequently withdrew. She alleges that Schmidt did not adhere to the terms of the settlement and initiated an expensive arbitration process she could not afford.
Ritter further claims that Schmidt hired private investigators and controlled access to her residence and personal property. Employees of her startup reported that the company experienced significant instability and disruption during this period.
Schmidt’s attorney, Patricia Glazer, has dismissed the allegations as “baseless and unproven.” The next court hearing is scheduled for December 4, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Key Facts:
• Allegations: Stalking, emotional abuse, digital surveillance
• Defendant: Eric Schmidt (70), former Google CEO
• Plaintiff: Michelle Ritter (31), founder of Steel Parlet
• Filing Date: October 20, 2025
• Next Hearing: December 4, 2025, Los Angeles
