McDonald's ex-CEO pays US$105mil to settle lawsuit over relationships with employees

Steve Easterbrook, President & CEO of McDonald's, speaks during an event in McDonald's Chicago flagship restaurant Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018. McDonald’s former President and CEO Easterbrook must return more than $105 million in equity awards and cash to the burger giant as part of a settlement reached with the company. Easterbrook issued an apology Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021. - AP

The former CEO of McDonald's Corp paid over US$105 million and apologized to the company in a settlement over the burger chain's allegations that he lied to cover up sexual relationships with employees.

As part of the settlement, ex-CEO Steve Easterbrook returned equity awards and cash worth over $105 million that he received as a severance package in 2019, McDonald's said in a statement on Thursday.