In newly released letters, Deel highlights an affidavit from Vanessa Wu, a former Rippling general counsel, who testified that Rippling fired O’Brien but later paid him a termination fee and covered his legal expenses in exchange for his cooperation. Deel is requesting the court to compel Rippling to disclose unredacted versions of these agreements, arguing the unusual nature of an employee fired for cause being rehired as a paid witness. Both companies continue to assert their innocence while accusing each other of wrongdoing, with the court's decision on the matter still pending.
Key takeaways:
- Deel has filed a motion in Irish court to compel Rippling to provide unredacted versions of witness affidavits, including one by former Rippling employee Keith O’Brien.
- Rippling's lawsuit against Deel alleges misappropriation of trade secrets and other claims, largely based on spying allegations involving O’Brien.
- Deel has countersued, alleging that Rippling also attempted to spy on Deel, and is questioning the agreements Rippling made with O’Brien after firing him.
- Deel seeks to highlight the unusual nature of Rippling paying a former employee, fired for cause, as a witness in the ongoing legal battle.