Tiger Woods can add another victory to his list, but this time it’s not on the golf course.
A Florida judge ruled in favor of the legendary golfer on Wednesday, rejecting a request from his former girlfriend, Erica Herman, to nullify a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) she signed when they began dating in 2017.
The decision comes after Herman filed a $30 million lawsuit and requested to break the NDA, citing a recent law that limits the enforcement of such agreements in cases of sexual harassment and assault.
According to Black Enterprise, Herman’s case did not accuse Woods of harassment or assault, but her lawyer, Benjamin Hodas, checked “yes” on the cover sheet of the complaint, indicating allegations of sexual abuse. She also claimed that due to the aggressive use of the NDA against her, she was unsure whether she could disclose certain facts that could give rise to legal claims.
In the ruling, Circuit Judge Elizabeth Metzger deemed Herman’s claims as “implausibly pled” and granted Woods’ request to compel arbitration. Judge Metzger noted that Herman had the opportunity to provide factual specificity for any claim related to sexual assault or harassment but failed to do so.
While the judge’s decision favors Woods, it does not address the underlying issues raised by Herman.
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Woods’ legal victory brings closure to this chapter of his personal life, which has been marked by public scrutiny. The golfer’s career has faced numerous challenges, including a highly publicized extramarital scandal in 2009 that tarnished his reputation and led to a temporary hiatus from professional golf.
Despite these setbacks, Woods has made a remarkable comeback, winning several major championships and solidifying his status as one of the greatest golfers of all time. While the NDA dispute may be resolved, Woods’ journey towards rebuilding his personal and professional life remains ongoing.
