SandboxAQ, a quantum computing and AI firm spun out of Alphabet, is embroiled in a legal battle with a former executive. The former chief of staff has filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment, citing serious misconduct by CEO Jack Hidary. The lawsuit includes claims that the executive was fired shortly after raising concerns about corporate governance and the alleged misuse of company assets by Hidary.
In response, SandboxAQ has refuted the allegations, characterizing the lawsuit as an act of "extortion." The company claims the former executive is attempting to leverage false and defamatory claims to extract an unwarranted payment. The legal filings detail a contentious relationship, with the company accusing the plaintiff of orchestrating a campaign to harm SandboxAQ's reputation. This dispute places a spotlight on the internal governance of the prominent Google moonshot spinout.