The sexual harassment allegations that led to former Hewlett Packard CEO Mark Hurd’s dismissal have gone public.
A Delaware judge ruled Wednesday that a letter sent to Hurd by celebrity attorney Gloria Allred detailing the claims of on behalf of Jodie Fisher is a public document, and various publications have already posted a copy of the letter.
It details one unwanted kiss, a series of inappropriate gestures — both physical and emotional — and Hurd’s unyielding pursuit of a woman who repeatedly expressed her lack of interest in the married CEO.
“Looking at what ensued over the next two years, it is clear you had designs to make her your lover from the onset using your status and authority as CEO of Hewlett Packard and Hewlett Packard monies expecting her to be with you,” Allred wrote.
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As Fisher continued to reject Hurd, he resorted to talking about his other mistresses in other cities and invited her to dinner after every event he asked her to attend, Allred asserted.
His advances were “unwelcome, awkward and were never reciprocated in any way” according to Allred.
HP’s internal investigation did not uncover evidence of sexual harassment but did discover inaccurate expense reports.
There has been much dispute over the letter's release, especially since Fisher said last year that it contained inaccuracies. She never specified what was untrue.
Hurd’s departure rocked Silicon Valley back in August 2010. He had been CEO of the company since 2005, rebuilding the computer giant and boosting its revenues significantly.
After his dismissal, he moved on to Larry Ellison’s Oracle while Fisher dropped her claim upon receiving a payment of an undisclosed sum.
HP appointed Leo Apotheker to replace Hurd, and HP’s stock plummeted under his purview. Meg Whitman has since succeeded Apotheker.