Ethereum Foundation and Vitalik Buterin Face Federal Lawsuit Over Employee Termination

Former Protocol Support team lead Kayleen Fulton has filed an 11-count federal lawsuit in Colorado against the Ethereum Foundation, co-founder Vitalik Buterin, and affiliated entities. Fulton alleges wrongful termination, disability discrimination, and retaliation, seeking back pay on her $195,000 salary alongside punitive damages. The dismissal occurred on April 6, 2026, 13 days after she disclosed an ovarian cancer diagnosis and 12 days after she co-organized a protest letter signed by 53 employees against a mandatory policy containing a controversial 'Source Seppuku License.' Foundation lawyers deny wrongdoing and are attempting to move the dispute to arbitration in Singapore.