Former Ethereum Foundation employee Kaylin Fulton (Nixo) has sued the foundation and Vitalik Buterin over wrongful termination after protesting the “seppuku oath.”
Key facts from the lawsuit:
-Ritual clause: In February, leadership circulated the EF Mandate document, in which the authors promised to commit suicide (seppuku) if they strayed from the foundation’s principles, under a section titled Source Seppuku License. Leadership called it “symbolism” but left the clause in place.
-Fired for protesting: Fulton organized a collective letter opposing the clause, signed by 53 employees. On April 6, she and a co-author of the letter were fired without explanation, despite her having recently received a 21.9% pay raise.
-Buterin’s position: The lawsuit cites an audio recording of a conversation with Vitalik Buterin, who said that if the foundation gave in to employees after public scandals, others would start doing the same.
-Additional allegations: Fulton also accused the foundation of discrimination, as she had informed leadership that she had been diagnosed with cancer 13 days before her termination.
The plaintiff is seeking a ruling that her termination was unlawful and compensation for lost wages and damages.
Key facts from the lawsuit:
-Ritual clause: In February, leadership circulated the EF Mandate document, in which the authors promised to commit suicide (seppuku) if they strayed from the foundation’s principles, under a section titled Source Seppuku License. Leadership called it “symbolism” but left the clause in place.
-Fired for protesting: Fulton organized a collective letter opposing the clause, signed by 53 employees. On April 6, she and a co-author of the letter were fired without explanation, despite her having recently received a 21.9% pay raise.
-Buterin’s position: The lawsuit cites an audio recording of a conversation with Vitalik Buterin, who said that if the foundation gave in to employees after public scandals, others would start doing the same.
-Additional allegations: Fulton also accused the foundation of discrimination, as she had informed leadership that she had been diagnosed with cancer 13 days before her termination.
The plaintiff is seeking a ruling that her termination was unlawful and compensation for lost wages and damages.
