# Former Ethereum Foundation Lead Sues Over Firing After Cancer Disclosure

By Riza Dagoc

Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/regulation/53140
Published: 2026-11-10T13:59:33.000Z
Updated: 2026-11-10T13:59:33.000Z
Section: Regulation

> Kayleen Fulton says she was fired 13 days after telling management she had ovarian cancer and after helping organize a letter signed by 53 employees.

Former Ethereum Foundation Protocol Support lead Kayleen Fulton sued foundation-linked entities and Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin in Colorado federal court, alleging violations of U.S. disability and medical-leave laws tied to her firing.

Fulton filed the case Nov. 4. Her complaint says she told management in writing on March 24 that she had ovarian cancer. She says she was fired April 6, 13 days after that disclosure.

On March 25, Fulton helped organize a letter signed by 53 employees opposing a requirement to endorse the foundation’s Mandate. Fulton says the document contained a clause invoking ritual suicide. Fulton says she and fellow organizer Trent Van Epps were fired about 30 minutes apart.

The lawsuit includes claims under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act. Fulton seeks damages and asks the court to declare her separation agreement invalid. Buterin and foundation-linked entities are among the defendants.

The dispute concerns an internal policy at the organization that supports development of the Ethereum network.