Match Group, the parent company of dating applications Tinder and Hinge, is facing a lawsuit alleging that it knowingly allowed a serial rapist to stay on its platforms and suggested him to women as a potential match. Stephen Matthews, a cardiologist based in Denver, was found guilty of drugging and sexually assaulting 11 women from 2019 to 2023 and given a sentence of 158 years to life in prison in October 2024. An investigation by The Markup along with the Pulitzer Center’s AI Accountability Network uncovered that women had reported Matthews on platforms such as Hinge, but he was not expelled.

The lawsuit, initiated by six women against IAC, Inc., Match Group, Hinge, Tinder, and Matthews, contends that Match Group was informed about Matthews as far back as September 2020 but still allowed him on its applications. The plaintiffs are women who were matched with Matthews on these services, with five being assaulted after connecting on Hinge and one on Tinder.

One woman notified Hinge about Matthews in September 2020, yet he was recommended to her again in January 2021. Despite assurances from Hinge that Matthews would be banned, he persisted in using Tinder. The lawsuit asserts that Match Group was aware of Matthews’ behaviors but nonetheless granted him access to its products.

Matthews utilized consistent personal details across his accounts, including his actual name and phone number. He was taken into custody in March 2023 after a report was made to the Denver police, with further accusations from nine additional women.

A website, matchgrouplawsuit.com, has been established by the plaintiffs’ attorney to encourage other survivors to come forward. A representative from Match Group expressed concern regarding the allegations and highlighted the company’s dedication to ensuring user safety and enhancing its systems.

If you have suffered sexual abuse, call the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit online.rainn.org for 24-7 assistance.