Sexual Assault Survivors File Lawsuit Against Hinge and Tinder Parent Company
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Six sexual assault survivors have taken legal action against Match Group, the parent company of popular dating apps Hinge and Tinder. The lawsuit alleges that the apps allowed a convicted rapist, Stephen Matthews, to continue using their platforms, despite reports of his predatory behaviour. Matthews, a former cardiologist from Denver, was sentenced to 158 years in prison after being found guilty of drugging and sexually assaulting multiple women he met through these dating apps.
The lawsuit was filed in Denver County District Court by six anonymous plaintiffs identified as Jane Doe 1-6. It claims that Match Group permitted Matthews to remain on Hinge even after a pattern of predatory behaviour emerged. The survivors allege that Hinge ignored complaints about Matthews and even recommended his profile to one woman after she had reported him for sexual assault. Five of the survivors met Matthews on Hinge, while another matched with him on Tinder – both platforms owned by Match Group.
According to the court filing, Matthews began his criminal activities in September 2020. Carrie Goldberg, an attorney representing five of the plaintiffs, stated, “For too long Match Group has nearly monopolized online dating and created an industry-wide disregard for the rape of its women members.” The survivors hope that this lawsuit will shed light on the dangerous practices of online dating platforms like Hinge and Tinder, which can become a hunting ground for violent offenders.
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for Match Group emphasised their commitment to user safety. They stated that the company has extensive safety measures in place and continuously invests in enhancing these tools. However, the seriousness of the survivors’ claims raises questions about the efficacy of these safety measures and the responsibility of dating apps to protect their users from harm.
One survivor, speaking in a press release, shared her harrowing experience of matching with Matthews on Hinge. She described waking up to a nightmare and revealed that other women had endured similar horrors at the hands of the same perpetrator. The emotional impact of these assaults was evident during Matthews’ sentencing, where victims addressed him directly, labelling him a “narcissistic monster” and a “serial rapist.”
The survivors’ bravery in coming forward and seeking justice against Match Group sends a powerful message about accountability in the online dating industry. The case of Stephen Matthews serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk behind the seemingly harmless profiles on dating apps. It highlights the urgent need for these platforms to prioritise user safety and implement stricter measures to prevent such heinous crimes from recurring.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the regulation of online dating platforms and their responsibility towards protecting users from potential harm. The survivors’ quest for justice is a testament to their resilience and determination to hold accountable those who enabled and perpetuated their trauma. This case underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in the digital realm, where vulnerabilities can be exploited with devastating consequences.