This is shocking.
The past few months have seen global movements taking a stand against gender inequality and calling out the mistreatment of women in the workplace, from the unearthing of the shocking extent of the gender pay gap to the realities of sexual harassment in the workplace.
Time is officially up - and no person, group or company is exempt - with US multinational tech company Google - undoubtedly one of the most powerful companies in the world - being the latest to come under fire for its dangerous 'bro culture'.
Former Google software engineer Loretta Lee, who worked for the Silicon Valley giant for seven years, was fired in February 2016 - going on to file a lawsuit against the company for wrongful termination as well as sexual harassment and gender discrimination.
Publishing her original complaint to Gizmodo, Loretta has alleged that the company's 'bro-culture' subjected her to harassment and abuse by her male co-workers on a daily basis, including having her drink spiked with alcohol, having Nerf balls shot at her, receiving sexually suggestive messages, and in one instance, getting slapped in the face at a work party. She even went on to explain one circumstance where she found a male colleague under her desk on all fours, fearing that ‘he may have installed some type of camera or similar device under the desk.'
One of the most shocking parts of her lawsuit however was when she alleged that Google failed to investigate, reportedly noting her 'failure to cooperate' when she initially didn't file anything.
A Google spokesperson has since responded, announcing to Gizmodo in a statement, 'We take action when we find violations - including termination of employment.'
