Google Moonshot Spinout SandboxAQ Claims an Ex-Exec is Attempting ‘Extortion’
SandboxAQ claims a former exec’s lawsuit is an extortion attempt—allegations include misconduct and financial misrepresentation.
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Google Moonshot Spinout SandboxAQ Claims an Ex-Exec is Attempting ‘Extortion’
What’s Behind SandboxAQ’s Explosive Legal Clash with Former Chief of Staff? In early January 2026, Google spinout SandboxAQ fired back at a former top executive, accusing him of filing a “baseless” and “extortionate” lawsuit packed with unsubstantiated claims—including alleged sexual misconduct and investor deception. The company, co-founded by ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt and led by CEO Jack Hidary, is now locked in a high-stakes legal battle that’s pulling back the curtain on internal tensions within one of Silicon Valley’s most secretive moonshot ventures. Credit: YouTube/SandboxAQ Who Is Robert Bender—and Why Did He Sue SandboxAQ? Robert Bender served as Chief of Staff to CEO Jack Hidary from August 2024 until his termination in July 2025. According to court documents filed in mid-December 2025, Bender claims he was fired after raising concerns about multiple alleged incidents inside the company. While some of the most explosive details were redacted by Bender himself—likely to avoid de…