Pop star Jewel’s lawsuit against Kroger over its involvement in the Wellness Festival has led to a judge’s request for former CEO Rodney McMullen to explain his abrupt resignation. The judge, Christian A. Jenkins, has ordered McMullen to provide a written explanation for his departure, which the court will review privately. In their lawsuit, Jewel and her business partner assert that McMullen’s resignation could affect the case’s credibility and provide insight into Kroger’s alleged corrupt corporate culture.
Kroger’s press release announced McMullen’s resignation, stating that while the behavior was ‘unrelated to the business,’ it was ‘inconsistent with Kroger’s Policy on Business Ethics.’ The judge emphasized that without knowing the basis for the alleged embarrassment, it’s impossible to determine the relevance of the information. Despite the court’s reluctance, the judge ordered McMullen to answer under oath about the facts and circumstances of his resignation.
McMullen’s lawyers had previously argued that requiring him to disclose his resignation reasons would be ‘irrelevant’ and ‘personally embarrassing,’ and they sought a protective order. However, the judge’s order mandates that McMullen submit his explanation in writing. The court could grant his request for a protective order, making his answer ‘judicial eyes only.’ The Aug. 1 order gives McMullen seven days to comply. Fox News Digital has reached out to Jewel and Kroger for comment, but no response has been received yet.