Dovetail’s suppression backflip
The startup’s decision to drop an attempt to suppress allegations it said were “designed to embarrass” was a strategic move, in a case that's put a spotlight on workplace safety.
Australian customer insights company Dovetail and its CEO Benjamin Humphrey are at the centre of an increasingly high-profile lawsuit that's gaining attention in the startup industry — and triggering further debate about the clash between suppression orders and open justice.
The company’s in-house legal counsel Bethany Lo Russo has taken a human rights claim against Dovetail and Humphrey over allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination. Her Federal Court claims detail allegations including a prolonged period of unwanted sexual conduct and sexual advances by Humphrey, as well as coercive control.
Lo Russo also previously made a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC), which terminated the complaint when there was "no reasonable prospect of the matter being settled by conciliation".
Russo is seeking compensation for psychiatric injuries and economic loss, as well as orders for Dovetail to implement workplace reforms.
