Former Google chief executive Eric Schmidt, once one of Silicon Valley's most powerful figures, is facing shocking allegations of stalking and emotional abuse from a tech entrepreneur with whom he allegedly had a secret relationship.
In a stunning development that has rocked the tech world, Shaun Maguire - a partner at prestigious venture capital firm Sequoia Capital - has come forward with detailed claims about Schmidt's alleged controlling behaviour during their clandestine affair.
The Secret Relationship
According to court documents obtained by DailyMail.com, Maguire claims her relationship with the 69-year-old billionaire began in 2021 while she was working at Schmidt's philanthropic initiative, Schmidt Futures. The tech entrepreneur alleges their connection quickly turned from professional to personal, with Schmidt allegedly showering her with expensive gifts including a Cartier watch and luxury handbags.
Maguire states in her legal filing: "He told me he loved me and wanted to marry me." However, she claims the relationship took a dark turn when Schmidt allegedly became "obsessively controlling" and subjected her to "relentless stalking."
Allegations of Controlling Behaviour
The court documents paint a disturbing picture of Schmidt's alleged behaviour. Maguire claims the tech titan:
- Demanded access to her phone and email accounts
- Insisted on knowing her whereabouts at all times
- Monitored her communications with friends and colleagues
- Became enraged when she attempted to end the relationship
Maguire alleges that Schmidt's behaviour escalated to the point where she felt "trapped and terrified," describing his actions as "a campaign of stalking and emotional abuse."
Legal Battle Unfolds
The situation came to a head when Schmidt reportedly filed a lawsuit against Maguire in May, seeking the return of gifts and loans he claims total nearly $2.4 million. Maguire has now countersued, alleging that these financial transactions were actually "hush money" intended to buy her silence about their relationship.
In her legal response, Maguire states she felt "coerced" into signing agreements about the money, which she claims was compensation for "the harm she suffered" during their relationship.
Fallout in Tech Circles
The allegations have sent shockwaves through Silicon Valley, where Schmidt remains an influential figure despite stepping down from Google's parent company Alphabet in 2020. Both Schmidt and Maguire have retained high-profile legal teams, indicating this battle could become one of the tech world's most watched legal dramas.
Schmidt's representatives have declined to comment on the specific allegations, while Maguire's legal team maintains their client is seeking justice and protection from what they describe as "a pattern of abusive behaviour."
As this story continues to develop, it raises serious questions about power dynamics in the tech industry and the accountability of its most prominent leaders.
