Statement From Kim Dotcom

Tonight Third Degree broadcast issues raised by three former staff members who are in dispute with us.

I have always treated staff with absolute respect, dignity and fairness. I respect those who work for us. They were not just employees but became essentially part of my family because they lived with us.

With our assets frozen and my ability to earn an income following the illegal shutdown of Megaupload significantly reduced, it was necessary for all of us to make enormous sacrifices to ensure my family was looked after. It was agreed they would be further compensated when my new venture – Mega – was up and running. However, the amounts they are claiming for lost wages are unreasonable and excessive. I have been working to find a resolution that is fair to all. I believe I have made a generous offer.

I have never bullied or intimidated staff. As with any employment relationship, there have been times when we have had to raise performance issues or concerns, but this has always been done fairly, reasonably and responsibly.

Our staff live with us and enjoy all the benefits of that – food, accommodation and utilities. They are members of our family. At times they have had to work really hard, particularly through the stressful times but we made sure they had time off to relax and rest.

We all value our privacy. Our staff are intimately involved in our family and home life, as well as our business operation. It is necessary to guard against disclosure of our private matters with legally binding promises. There is nothing unusual in this.

Like any family we may not always get on all the time but it is important to me to try to work things out respectfully. We have excellent mediation processes in New Zealand and I trust we’ll get a resolution in this case that’s right for everyone.

At this time I do not intend to make any further comment on this private matter.

ENDS

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