After Neglecting to Read Privacy Policy, Priest Sues Grindr Over Reporting

A scorned priest is suing Grindr after he said the company failed to protect his personal data, leading to him being denounced by a Catholic watchdog group and having to resign from his cushy position at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Monsignor Jeffrey Burrill resigned as USCCB general secretary shortly after a story broke in July 2021 alleging he engaged in “potentially inappropriate behavior” on the popular gay dating app.

The pillar “Commercially available records” from Grindr showed he visited numerous gay bars, private residences and at least one public bathhouse in cities across the country in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Ironically, he did all this while preaching that homosexuality is a sin and that homosexuals are destined to spend eternity in hell, and blah blah blah.

Burrill is now suing Grindr, claiming the company “destroyed” his reputation by allowing his data to be sold to a third party.

The lawsuit, filed this week in California Superior Court, alleges that the group Catholic Laity and Clergy for Renewal was able to purchase his personal information, which he then sent to The Pillar, which then published it, leading to his expulsion from the USCCB.

The priest, who took a vow of poverty, said he suffered “significant financial harm” and asked Grindr to pay him damages, attorneys’ fees and “injunctive relief.”

It also asks the court to enjoin the app “from committing such illegal, unfair and fraudulent business practices.”

But here’s the thing: Grindr didn’t do anything illegal.

The app makes it very clear in its privacy policy that it collects data and shares it with third parties. And there is no other way around it. By signing up for the app, a user gives consent to the sharing of their personal information.

Burrill, who has since returned to active ministry after engaging in a “sincere and prayerful effort to strengthen his priestly vows,” may not appreciate his personal information being sold to a third party, but perhaps he should have reconsidered. Before he signed up for a gay sex app after taking a vow of celibacy.

One of his responsibilities as USCCB general secretary was to help manage the church’s response to clergy sex scandals and cover-ups. Ironically, when it came to managing his own cover-up, Burrill forgot to read the fine print.

Help us ensure LGBTQ+ stories are told…

We can’t rely on mainstream media to tell our stories, which is why we don’t lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission by making a donation today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

What if we took it to the next level?

Help us ensure LGBTQ+ stories are told…