Ethereum Foundation and Vitalik Buterin Face Lawsuit Over Alleged Wrongful Employee Termination

The Ethereum Foundation and co-founder Vitalik Buterin are facing a U.S. federal lawsuit filed by former employee Kayleen Fulton. Who alleges wrongful termination, disability discrimination, and violations of medical leave rights.

Fulton, previously head of the foundation’s Protocol Support team, claims she was dismissed on April 6, 2026. Just 13 days after disclosing an ovarian cancer diagnosis. The lawsuit also links her termination to organizing employee opposition to a controversial internal mandate containing a symbolic suicide pledge.

According to the complaint, 79 employees opposed the disputed provision, while 53 signed a letter challenging the requirement to endorse the mandate. Fulton alleges she and another organizer were subsequently dismissed in retaliation. The lawsuit seeks lost wages, damages, and legal fees, raising questions about workplace governance and employee protections within the Ethereum Foundation. The allegations remain unproven, and the court has not determined liability.

Clever Robot News Desk 10^th November 2026