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Grail, a biotech start-up based in Silicon Valley and a subsidiary of Illumina, is facing lawsuits from three former female employees who allege a toxic work culture. These employees claim that Grail failed to address their complaints related to sexual harassment, racial discrimination, and a hostile environment.
The lawsuits describe Grail as fostering a “bro” and “frat house” culture, creating a sexually charged and hostile work environment. Illumina, the world’s largest gene sequencing company, acquired Grail for $7bn in 2021, with early investors including Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos.
The former employees state that they left Grail because their complaints regarding inappropriate behavior from senior executives were not adequately addressed, and they faced retaliation for speaking out. One employee was allegedly fired while on a leave of absence for stress after notifying Grail of her intention to take legal action.
These lawsuits join a series of similar cases highlighting sexual harassment and discrimination within the technology and biotech industries. A survey commissioned by Women Who Tech revealed that 44% of women founders reported experiencing harassment.
In response, Grail emphasizes its commitment to fair employee practices, diversity, and inclusivity. The company states that it prohibits unlawful discrimination or retaliation and reviews and investigates all reported workplace complaints. Grail maintains confidence in the meritless nature of the allegations and plans to vigorously defend against them.
Illumina has chosen not to comment on the matter.
The lawsuits include specific incidents. For example, one complainant, Mary Tantum, alleges being groped by a male senior executive at a work party. After reporting the incident, she claims a “sham investigation” took place, resulting in the closure of the case due to lack of corroboration.
An additional complainant, Linda Mansolillo, states that the same former male executive and a female executive created a sexually charged work environment. Mansolillo highlights instances of gender bias, lack of women executives, and high turnover of women within the company.
The third woman, Kim Trang Thi Bui Cheung, filed a lawsuit against Grail for harassment and discrimination related to racist comments made within the company. Cheung asserts that her complaints were not adequately addressed, and the perpetrator even received a cash bonus.
The three women left Grail between late 2022 and early 2023. They have filed lawsuits seeking unspecified damages for loss of earnings and mental and emotional distress. Their aim is to hold the defendants accountable, set an example, and prevent future misconduct.
All three women are represented by The Vora Law Firm based in Santa Monica, California.
Grail initially operated as a subsidiary of Illumina before becoming an independent entity in 2016 to raise external funding. Over the next four years, it raised $2bn from investors such as Bill Gates, Bezos Expeditions, Google Ventures, and Arch Venture Partners.
Illumina’s acquisition of Grail in 2021 faced scrutiny from competition regulators, resulting in a €432mn fine from the EU and opposition from the US Federal Trade Commission. Illumina is appealing both decisions.
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