Key points
- Former Ethereum Foundation employee Kayleen Fulton has filed a lawsuit against the foundation, Vitalik Buterin and other defendants.
- The complaint alleges wrongful termination after Fulton disclosed an ovarian cancer diagnosis and challenged an internal employee mandate.
- The lawsuit seeks compensation and damages under US disability, medical leave and Colorado employment laws.
Kayleen Fulton filed a federal lawsuit against six defendants, including Ethereum Foundation-affiliated entities, Vitalik Buterin and Bastian Aue, on 4 November 2026.
The complaint alleges Fulton lost her job after disclosing cancer and challenging an internal employee mandate.
The filing quotes Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin describing the issue as “what kind of dynamics you want to reward inside of the EF”.
Fulton alleges the foundation dismissed her on 6 April, thirteen days after receiving her cancer disclosure.
The dispute centres on an employee mandate containing a controversial pledge involving death by sword, according to the complaint.
Fulton previously led the foundation's Protocol Support team and facilitated Ethereum's All Core Developers meetings.
Her lawsuit seeks back pay, future wages, compensatory damages and legal costs under federal and Colorado employment laws.
The case places the Ethereum Foundation's employment practices and internal governance under scrutiny through federal litigation.
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