Kleiner Perkins celebrates its victory while Ellen Pao thanks her supporters

ellen pao

(AP Images)

Now that the dust has cleared and the final verdict is in, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Ellen Pao have issued their final statements on the gender discrimination lawsuit that's kept Silicon Valley on the edge of its seat for weeks now.

“Today’s verdict reaffirms that Ellen Pao’s claims have no legal merit. We are grateful to the jury for its careful examination of the facts," said the partners of Kleiner Perkins in a prepared statement emailed to press.

"There is no question gender diversity in the workplace is an important issue. KPCB remains committed to supporting women in venture capital and technology both inside our firm and within our industry.”

Meanwhile, Ellen Pao gave a short statement to the press in the San Francisco courthouse:

“I want to thank my family and my friends for your love and support during this very challenging time. I’m grateful to my legal team for getting me a day in court, and to everyone around the world, male and female, who have reached out and expressed support in so many different ways, who’ve told me that my story is their story too, and that they’re grateful to me for telling my story. I have told my story, and thousands of people have heard me.

"If I’ve helped to level the playing field for women and minorities in venture capital, then the battle was worth it. Now’s the time for me to get back to my career, to my family, and to my friends. Thank you all very much.”

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