05/14/2026
UPDATE: A Denver jury previously convicted Stephen Matthews of 35 counts related to the drugging and/or sexual assault of 11 women between 2019 and 2023. Judge Eric Johnson sentenced Matthews to 158 years to life in prison.
In December 2025, Greg Bentley and the coalition of attorneys filed the first lawsuit against Hinge, Tinder, Match Group, and their parent company IAC on behalf of women who were drugged and assaulted by Stephen Matthews. The lawsuit alleges that the dating platforms allowed Matthews to continue using their platformsâand even promoted him to unsuspecting women in Coloradoâafter the companies received notice of his criminal use of their products.
The Defendants recently filed two motions asking the Denver judge to completely dismiss the lawsuit. One of the motions asks the Denver court to dismiss this case based upon a purported forum selection clause that was buried in the electronic terms of use. Defendants argue that the Colorado victims should not be allowed to seek justice and accountability in Colorado, under Colorado law, where the assaults occurred. Instead, Defendants argue the Colorado victims should be forced to bring their lawsuit in Dallas, Texas.
Courts can refuse to enforce a forum selection clause where it would be against a strong public policy. Here, Colorado has a strong public policy in protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors and ensuring their access to its judicial system. To that end, the Colorado General Assembly has passed multiple laws which place Colorado at the forefront in protecting the rights of survivors. Defendantsâ request to dismiss this case and send it to Texas would effectively strip these women of their rights and protections under Colorado law.
Under Colorado law, survivors should be able to seek full justice and accountability against companies who facilitate sexual violence. Billion-dollar companies try to avoid responsibility every day. Weâre committed to holding them accountable. Join us in our fight for accountability, survivor advocacy, and meaningful change.
For more information about this case, please visit https://www.matchgrouplawsuit.com/
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