Who is Michelle Ritter? Eric Schmidt’s Ex-Mistress Accuses Former Google CEO of Stalking and Abuse

Michelle Ritter, a 31-year-old tech entrepreneur and former girlfriend of ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt, has filed a lawsuit accusing the billionaire of stalking, harassment, and digital surveillance. Court documents revealed shocking details of a toxic relationship between the pair, including claims of intimidation, gag orders, and surveillance through devices.

Michelle Ritter’s Relationship with Eric Schmidt

Ritter met Schmidt in 2020 while she was a student at Columbia University. Their relationship quickly evolved, and Schmidt reportedly invested $100 million in her AI startup, Steel Perlot. Despite their age difference of 39 years, the couple were often seen together at high-profile Los Angeles events.

However, their relationship took a dark turn. According to court filings, Ritter accused Schmidt of using his technical background to track her phone calls and emails. She described his behavior as “absolute digital surveillance,” saying she could not live her life in peace.

Lawsuit and Settlement Details

In December 2024, Ritter filed a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Schmidt. Just a week earlier, the two had reached a written settlement agreement involving “substantial payments.” The TRO was later withdrawn after another private deal was reportedly made, but Ritter claims Schmidt never fulfilled his end of the bargain.

In her complaint, she alleged Schmidt tried to force her into signing a gag order about sexual assault and harassment claims. Her lawyer, Skip Miller, declined to comment on the ongoing case. Schmidt’s legal team, led by Patricia Glaser, dismissed the lawsuit as “false and abusive,” calling it a misuse of the legal system.

Ritter’s Life After the Split

After parting ways with Schmidt, Ritter moved into a modest apartment in Beverly Hills, far from the luxurious $61 million Bel Air mansion she once shared with him. She also requested court protection for her dog, Henry, a German Shepherd she considers family.

Ritter’s company, Steel Perlot, was once seen as a promising AI venture. However, reports from Forbes and The Information suggested financial troubles and internal chaos. Some employees described the company as a “vanity project,” claiming Ritter exaggerated investor names like Jeff Bezos and Michael Bloomberg.

Eric Schmidt’s Response

Eric Schmidt, who served as Google’s CEO from 2001 to 2017, has long been known for his open marriage to Wendy Schmidt, his wife of over 45 years. Sources told media outlets that Schmidt has dated several younger women in the past, earning him the nickname “Silicon Valley’s Casanova.”

Schmidt’s spokesperson has denied all claims made by Ritter, insisting that the accusations are exaggerated and motivated by personal disputes. The next court hearing in Los Angeles is scheduled for December 4, 2025.

The Bigger Picture

Ritter’s case has sparked online debate about privacy, gender dynamics, and abuse of power in the tech industry. Many have questioned how technology, when misused, can turn into a weapon of control in personal relationships.