Google is known for its close-knit and sometimes secretive company culture, but one wouldnt suspect an actual cult running things behind the scenes. Well, one Google contractor claims thats exactly the case, as detailed in this unusual report from The New York Times.
Kevin Lloyd, a contractor hired to work as a video producer for Google Developer Studio (GDS), alleges at least 12 members of an obscure religious sect work for GDS and hold an inappropriate level of influence over the work environment. Lloyd claims he was wrongly fired for calling out the groups behavior and has filed a lawsuit against Google and his contracting agency ASG for wrongful termination, retaliation, emotional distress, and failure to protect him against discrimination.
The religious group in question is known as the Fellowship of Friends. According to the Times, the Fellowship believes higher consciousness can be achieved by embracing fine arts and culture and has a compound spanning 1,200 acres in Oregon House, California. The group has even become the subject of an investigative Spotify podcast that promises to reveal its dark secrets.
LLOYD WAS ALLEGEDLY FIRED SHORTLY AFTER COMPLAINING ABOUT THE GROUPS INFLUENCE Longtime Fellowship member Peter Lubbers leads GDS and has brought on a number of other Fellowship members, including video producer Gabe Pannell, the Times notes.