Ellen Pao Won’t Appeal Gender Discrimination Case

Ellen Pao, whose gender discrimination lawsuit against venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins turned a spotlight on the sexual politics of Silicon Valley, has decided not to pursue an appeal. A jury found against Pao after a trial earlier this year, and though Pao had sought an appeal, she said this week she can no longer bear the financial burden of the case. “I cannot afford the risk of even more costs to fight against a firm with tremendous financial resources and massive legal and PR armies,” Pao wrote. Pao sought $2.7 million in damages from the firm, claiming gender bias prevented her from rising in the corporate ranks. Kleiner Perkins denied the allegations, saying Pao had not shown the initiative needed to move up to investment partner.