**Project Veritas & Founder O’Keefe Locked in Legal Drama**: Project Veritas has filed a lawsuit against its founder, James O’Keefe, his new media company, and two former employees, claiming they have caused irreparable damage to the organization. The suit alleges a breach of contract and several other offenses. Let’s dive into the details.
James O’Keefe, the founder of Project Veritas in 2010, was reportedly placed on leave and relieved of his authority in February this year. Following the suspension, O’Keefe drew a parallel to Steve Jobs’ ousting from Apple in a Presidents’ Day address to the staff. In an amended statement, he declared, “Project Veritas will only be defeated if they take our spirit.” O’Keefe then started O’Keefe Media Group (OMG), aiming to build an investigative journalism powerhouse.
Project Veritas argues that O’Keefe violated the company’s employee agreement, specifically accusing him of failing to keep confidential information, disparaging the organization, engaging in activities interfering with or hindering his work for Project Veritas, soliciting donors and employees, and communicating with donors or prospective donors after leaving the company. It also claims he made off with equipment.
Additionally, the lawsuit accuses O’Keefe of violating the 2016 Defend Trade Secrets Act, suggesting his “misappropriation” of trade secrets was “willful and malicious.” Moreover, it alleges a breach of fiduciary duty by poaching Project Veritas donors and forming OMG while still on the board of directors, as well as a breach of duty of loyalty. Two former employees, R.C. Maxwell and Anthony Iatropoulos, are also named as defendants, who allegedly broke their employment agreements and took Project Veritas laptops.
**Veritas Versus O’Keefe Battle Continues**: Project Veritas is seeking a jury trial to resolve its claims of breach of contract and other offenses against James O’Keefe, his new venture, and former employees. The outcome of this legal drama remains to be seen, but it is clear that the rift between Project Veritas and its founder has deepened.
