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New York Post
3 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Ex-Kroger CEO ordered by judge to reveal ‘embarrassing' details in lawsuit involving singer Jewel
A Cincinnati judge has ordered former Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen to provide a written account of why he abruptly left the grocery giant in March — potentially exposing details the executive's attorneys have called 'completely irrelevant' and 'embarrassing' in a lawsuit that involves singer Jewel. The circumstances surrounding 65-year-old McMullen's surprise resignation have become a point of interest in a lawsuit unrelated to his exit. Jewel — the songstress known for 90s hits like 'Foolish Games' and 'Hands' — has together with a business partner sued Kroger over the company's annual Wellness Festival, claiming they were central to launching the event and are owed damages over alleged contractual problems. 4 Former Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen (seen far left) has been ordered to reveal details of his exit from the company as part of an unrelated lawsuit brought by singer Jewel (seen second from left). Getty Images for The Wellness Experience by Kroger Their lawyers argued that delving into details of McMullen's resignation could be relevant to his credibility if he appears as a witness and could inform the court's view of what they describe as an 'allegedly corrupt corporate culture at Kroger.' McMullen's legal team pushed back, calling the questions 'completely irrelevant' and 'embarrassing,' but the judge ordered him to answer in writing. The Aug. 1 directive from Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Christian Jenkins required McMullen to submit a sworn explanation by Aug. 8 that details the reason for his exit and identifies others involved, according to the court's order. It wasn't immediately clear whether McMullan had complied with the order. The Post has reached out to McMullen's lawyers for comment. Whether any written account from McMullen becomes public will depend on a later ruling about its relevance to the case. The judge can keep it under seal if he decides it matters to the lawsuit, or exclude it entirely if it does not. McMullen stepped down after more than a decade leading the Cincinnati-based grocery company, following what Kroger described as an investigation into his 'personal conduct.' 4 Rodney McMullen, former Kroger CEO, has been ordered to explain the reasons behind his sudden resignation. Bloomberg via Getty Images The company did not elaborate at the time. As part of his departure, McMullen forfeited all unvested equity and bonuses — $11 million in total, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. McMullen earned $15.7 million in 2023. 'Usually a CEO has downside protection if they leave,' Eric Chaffee, a corporate law professor at Case Western Reserve University, told Fortune. 4 Jewel performed on stage in Cincinnati in 2021. Jewel and a business partner have sued Kroger over the company's annual Wellness Festival. Getty Images for The Wellness Experience by Kroger 'The fact that he was willing to give that up may provide some insight that what went on here was something he did not want revealed.' Chaffee told Fortune it is 'somewhat invasive' to probe a CEO's departure, but noted that Kroger itself linked the resignation to 'business ethics,' which can make the line of inquiry easier to justify. In civil litigation, he added, attorneys commonly try to 'test that individual's credibility… to figure out whether they behave in an ethical manner.' 4 Jewel shares the stage with then-Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen at the company's wellness festival in Cincinnati in 2021. Getty Images for The Wellness Experience by Kroger Chaffee pointed out that US courts strongly favor openness. There is, he said, a 'strong preference that the public has access to judicial proceedings — not just to be nosy, but because transparency makes for a fairer legal system.' The judge will ultimately decide how much of McMullen's account the public can see, if any. Kroger's sparse explanation left room for speculation when McMullen resigned, and the new order renews interest in what the company and its former leader have chosen not to disclose. 'There's a cloud that's left by his departure,' Chaffee told Fortune, 'but companies sometimes decide that's better than the damage that could come from disclosure.' For McMullen, silence may also be a rational choice. 'It might be something embarrassing to him personally, to a family member, or something that could have future repercussions for his career,' Chaffee told Fortune. Executive careers can hinge on public perception, and 'if you're a CEO and there are news reports out there that you've done something you shouldn't have, getting another top job can become very, very difficult,' he said. The Post has sought comment from Kroger, McMullen and Jewel.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kevin Costner Reportedly Made a 'Big Miscalculation' in Attempting to Romance Jewel
Kevin Costner's dating life is always a hot topic in Hollywood, but some insiders seem to think he isn't done with trying to romance Jewel. The 70-year-old actor insisted to Howard Stern in June 2024 that he and the 54-year-old singer were only 'friends' and that they've 'never gone out' before. 'She's fantastic, she's special, and I don't want these rumors to ruin our friendship because that's what we have. She's special… She's everything you might think, but it just hasn't happened,' he added. More from SheKnows Why Christie Brinkley Refuses To Change Her Dating Standards at 71 Still, a Life & Style insider claims that Costner did try to date the 'Foolish Games' singer. 'Kevin's big miscalculation in his ongoing attempts to woo Jewel is his failing to understand that she isn't done yet, and she's certainly not in any frame of mind where she would want to be arm candy,' the source said while noting that Jewel is still heavily pursuing 'her music career and writing.' Costner's A-list lifestyle probably isn't ideal for someone focused on their career and that might be why he couldn't convince her to date him. 'He would have loved to collaborate with her and even date her, but he has to resign himself to being her number one fan instead because she still has a lot of mountains she wants to climb herself,' the insider added. The rumors about their relationship first began in November 2023 when they were spotted cozying up together at a charity tennis tournament on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. 'Kevin looked handsome, tan and fit. All the guests were going crazy over him,' an eyewitness told In Touch Weekly in December 2023. 'He really hit it off with Jewel.' Jewel played coy about their possible romance in an April 2024 interview with Elle. She didn't offer up much insight telling the media outlet, 'He's a great person… the public fascination is intense for sure.' They noted that she 'blushed' while talking about Costner, but that's the only clue that maybe a flirtation did occur. Since the Jewel rumors came out, Costner has also been catching the eyes of Hoda Kotb, Jennifer Lopez, and Sharon Stone. Still, no one has officially caught his heart since his February 2024 divorce from Christine of SheKnows Elizabeth Hurley & Billy Ray Cyrus, & More of the Best Red Carpet Debuts From Celebrity Couples Over the Years Yoko Ono's Daughter Kyoko, & 22 Surprising Celebrities That Were In or Linked to a Cult 7 Ways Chrissy Teigen Has Altered Her Appearance Over the Years: Plastic Surgery & More
