Hinge and Match Group File Motions to Dismiss Lawsuit After Allowing Known Felon To Use Its Platforms

K.C. Harpring

personal injury Attorney

In a previous announcement (Law Firms Sue Hinge and Match Group After Felon Assaults Multiple Users On Its Platform) we highlighted that Greg Bentley and Dormer Harpring are part of a team of attorneys continuing to fight for survivors of sexual assault and hold major dating platforms accountable for systemic safety failures.

A Denver jury previously convicted Stephen Matthews of 35 counts related to the drugging and/or sexual assault of 11 women between 2019 and 2023. Judge Eric Johnson sentenced Matthews to 158 years to life in prison.

In December 2025, Bentley and the coalition of attorneys filed the first lawsuit against Hinge, Tinder, Match Group, and their parent company IAC on behalf of women who were drugged and assaulted by Stephen Matthews. The lawsuit alleges that the dating platforms allowed Matthews to continue using their platforms–and even promoted him to unsuspecting women in Colorado–after the companies received notice of his criminal use of their products.

The Defendants recently filed two motions asking the Denver judge to completely dismiss the lawsuit. One of the motions asks the Denver court to dismiss this case based upon a purported forum selection clause that was buried in the electronic terms of use. Defendants argue that the Colorado victims should not be allowed to seek justice and accountability in Colorado, under Colorado law, where the assaults occurred. Instead, Defendants argue the Colorado victims should be forced to bring their lawsuit in Dallas, Texas.

Courts can refuse to enforce a forum selection clause where it would be against a strong public policy. Here, Colorado law reflects a strong public policy of protecting the rights of sexual assault survivors by ensuring they have access to the judicial system while minimizing the harm and secondary trauma often associated with the legal process. To that end, the Colorado General Assembly has enacted progressive legislation that establishes Colorado at the forefront in protecting survivors. Defendants’ request to dismiss this case and send it to Texas would effectively strip these women of their rights and protections under Colorado law.

Under Colorado law, survivors should be able to seek full justice and accountability against companies who facilitate sexual violence. Billion-dollar companies try to avoid responsibility every day. We’re committed to holding them accountable. Join us in our fight for accountability, survivor advocacy, and meaningful change.

For more information about this case, please visit https://www.matchgrouplawsuit.com/