Former McDonald's CEO asks court to dismiss case against him

McDonald’s former CEO is asking a court to dismiss company’s lawsuit against him, calling it “meritless and misleing.”

Chicago-based McDonald’s sued Stephen Easterbrook last week, seeking to reclaim millions of dollars in compensation paid to him. McDonald’s fired Easterbrook without cause last vember after he mitted to exchanging videos and text messs in a consensual, n-physical relationship with an employee. A search of Easterbrook’s cell phone confirmed that account.

But McDonald’s said it conducted a second investigation last month after it received an anymous tip that Easterbrook h a physical relationship with ar employee. McDonald’s said it has since found that Easterbrook h sexual relationships with three employees and destroyed evidence.

company's board says it would t have agreed to Easterbrook's separation agreement — which allowed him to keep more than $42 million in stock-based benefits — if it h that information when he was fired.

In a response filed late Friday in Delaware Chancery Court, Easterbrook said McDonald’s hired outside attorneys to investigate his conduct, including interviewing employees and reviewing electronic information, before it signed off on his separation agreement.

“McDonald’s is improperly attempting to get out of its bargain nine months after fact and despite mitting it always possessed information upon which is it w relying,” Easterbrook’s response res.

Easterbrook also claims case should be tried in Illiis, t Delaware.

McDonald’s rejected Easterbrook’s arguments Monday.

“McDonald’s stands by its complaint, both factual assertions and court in which it was filed,” a spokesperson for company said.