Grindr lawsuit overview:
- Who: A Catholic priest has filed a lawsuit against Grindr.
- Why: The priest says the company sold his private information to a Catholic group that “outed” him.
- Where: The Grindr lawsuit was filed in a California state court.
A priest has filed a lawsuit against Grindr — the “world’s largest social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people.” He alleges that the company sold his sensitive information, “outing” him in the Catholic community without his permission.
Jeffrey Burrill, a Catholic priest, filed the lawsuit against Grindr on July 17 in a California state court. He alleges that the dating app sold his sensitive personal information, which led to his resignation from a high-ranking position within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Burrill claims Grindr failed to protect his data despite assurances of user privacy.
“Consequently, Burrill’s reputation has been destroyed,” the lawsuit states. “He was forced out of his position as the General Secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and has been subjected to significant financial damages and emotional and psychological devastation.”
A ‘public outing’
Burrill alleges that Grindr did not safeguard his personal information as promised, resulting in a “public outing” and defamation.
He says that in 2017, he subscribed to Grindr. In connection with the subscription, Grindr collected what it described as “sensitive” customer data from him. That information includes his sexual orientation and his physical location.
However, between 2017 and 2021, the Catholic Laity and Clergy for Renewal (CLCR), a private foundation was able to buy Burrill’s Grindr personal data. He says the organization then forwarded his information to a publication known as The Pillar.
In July 2021, armed with the Grindr data that CLCR purchased, The Pillar published an article in which Burrill was “outed.” He alleges they smeared with false and lurid claims, including a strong suggestion that Burrill, by using Grindr was “only a step away from sexual predation.” Furthermore, the lawsuit alleges The Pillar falsely suggested that he might have been involved with minors.
Burrill says, “The news article was picked up and reported around the globe.”
Grindr knew the issues, the lawsuit alleges
Burrill says the article destroyed his reputation, forced him out of his role as general secretary, and caused significant financial, emotional and psychological harm.
Despite promising to protect user data, Grindr allegedly continued to claim it respects user privacy. The lawsuit states these claims continued even after public criticism and admissions by its former Chief Privacy Officer.
In June 2022, Bishop William Callahan appointed Burrill as the St. Teresa of Kolkata Parish administrator in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
However, Burrill’s lawsuit seeks damages for unfair, deceptive, and unlawful business practices under California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act and Unfair Competition Law, as well as for fraud and deceit.
Burrill alleges that Grindr misled him by claiming to conceal his sensitive information. He did not know it would be sold to third parties and could be de-anonymized. He claims Grindr knew of this risk as early as April 2018 but did nothing.
“Grindr places profits before its customers’ privacy,” Burrill says.
In 2020, a class action lawsuit was filed against Grindr Inc. by users who claimed that the company sells their information to the “highest bidder” without getting consent from their customers or telling them who they are selling it to.
What do you think of the priest’s allegations against Grindr? Let us know in the comments!
The plaintiff is represented by Gregory D. Helmer and Andrew H. Friedman of Helmer Friedman LLP and James C.D. Carr of the Carr Law Group.
The Grindr lawsuit is Jeffrey Burrill v. Grindr LLC et al., Case No. 24STCV17896, in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles.
Don’t Miss Out!
Check out our list of Class Action Lawsuits and Class Action Settlements you may qualify to join!
Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:
2 thoughts onPriest files lawsuit alleging Grindr sold his personal info, ‘outing’ him
The plaintiff has excellent legal representation! I know one of the law firms representing the plaintiff, Helmer Friedman LLP. In particular, I have known Andrew Friedman personally for approximately 25 years, ever since we were attorneys together on the California State Bar Executive Committee for the Labor and Employment Section. We continued our professional association through our mutual membership in the California Employment Lawyers Association. Andrew has a sharp legal mind and a well-deserved reputation for excellent legal skills. He is a sought-after speaker on legal topics. Even more, he’s a nice guy with a great sense of humor. ➡️ Go get ’em!
Add me