Breaking Report Showed McCormick Pressured Employees to Stay Silent After Reporting “Unwanted Sexual Advances”

PENNSYLVANIA — On Sep 10th, following new reporting from the USA Today network and Erie Times-News that details how David McCormick pressed former Bridgewater employees to remain silent about unwanted sexual advances they experienced at the company, Pennsylvania leaders held a virtual press conference calling on David McCormick to release Bridgewater employees from their non-disclosure agreements.

The new report details that among other things, David McCormick pressured an employee to be a “supportive public presence” after she reported harassment by another senior official. McCormick reportedly told another female employee who had been sexually harassed that “she would be in litigation for the rest of her life” if she broke her silence.

“One by one as women came forward at Bridgewater, McCormick made sure these women’s stories never saw the light of day,” said Northampton County Council President Lori Vargo Heffner. “These women deserve to share their stories. That is why I’m calling on David McCormick to release the women who came forward with allegations of sexual harassment from their non-disclosure agreements.”

“As we work to combat sexual harassment in our society, victims must not unfairly bear the burden of abuse,” said Pittsburgh City Controller Rachael Heisler. “I believe David McCormick should release these Bridgewater employees from their NDAs.”

“It is concerning to learn that as CEO, not only did David McCormick oversee a toxic work environment, but when he had the opportunity to support his employees he chose to pressure them to keep quiet about it,” said Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Chair Jamila Winder. “As he continues to hold millions of dollars in stock in Bridgewater Associates, he needs to use his influence to allow these women to tell their stories.”

Hear More from Other Pennsylvania Leaders:

“Every new revelation about David McCormick’s record at Bridgewater uncovers another reason why Pennsylvanians can’t trust him to be for them,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “We don’t deserve a leader who used his power as a hedge fund manager to silence his employees.”

Learn More About McCormick’s Leadership at Bridgewater:

As Bridgewater CEO, David McCormick pressed former Bridgewater employees to remain silent about unwanted sexual advances they said they experienced at the company.

• One woman said McCormick pressed her to be a “supportive public presence” after she alleged impropriety.

• Another woman said McCormick warned her she would be in litigation the “rest of her life” if she ever broke her silence.