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Eric Schmidt Denies Ex-Partner’s Abuse and Surveillance Claims as Court Sets December Hearing

The dispute stems from a collapsed AI startup relationship financed with roughly $100 million.

Overview

  • Court filings show Michelle Ritter sought a temporary domestic violence restraining order late last year alleging stalking, abuse and “absolute digital surveillance,” then withdrew it on January 6 after a subsequent settlement.
  • The parties reached a written settlement in early December 2024 that reportedly required substantial payments from Schmidt, with many details sealed or redacted.
  • Schmidt’s lawyers filed an 82-page response calling the allegations demonstrably false and moved to seal much of the court record.
  • The legal fight began with Schmidt’s September 2024 arbitration claim that Ritter breached a business agreement tied to her AI venture, Steel Perlot.
  • A Los Angeles Superior Court hearing on Schmidt’s motion to enforce arbitration is scheduled for December 4, and filings also describe disputes over access to a Bel Air residence and company systems.