Top Catholic Official Sues Grindr for $5 Million Over Data Breach

Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill, a former top administrator for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has filed a lawsuit against Grindr, claiming the dating app mishandled his personal data, leading to his public outing and resignation. Burrill, who had been using the queer dating app since 2017, alleges that Grindr failed to inform users that their data could be accessed by third-party vendors. This breach, he claims, led to significant damage to his reputation and career.

The controversy began in 2021 when the Catholic media site The Pillar reported on Burrill’s use of Grindr, leading to his resignation from the USCCB. The Pillar’s report, based on data showing Burrill’s visits to gay bars, sparked a national discussion about data privacy and the Church’s handling of such revelations. Burrill’s attorney, James Carr, argues that the data release was a severe violation of privacy, forcing Burrill’s personal life into the public eye.

Since the incident, Burrill has struggled with the fallout, facing shame and embarrassment. In June 2022, he was appointed parochial administrator of a parish in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is seeking $5 million in damages.