Battle of Facebook ends as twins accept $65m payout

Claim: Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss
12 April 2012

The Winklevoss twins, made famous by movie the Social Network, have ended their case against Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.

Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, 29, claimed Harvard University classmate Zuckerberg, 27, stole their idea for the website. Now they have decided not to appeal to the US Supreme Court over a ruling upholding a $65 million (£40.6 million) settlement.

The dispute is portrayed in the Oscar-winning 2010 film. The 6ft 5in brothers - former Olymic rowers - had wanted to challenge an April ruling by a San Francisco court that backed a settlement of $20 million cash and $45 million stock. The case was brought by their company ConnectU. But yesterday they said that after "careful consideration" they would not seek a review.

No reason was given. Because of the rise in value of Facebook stock, the deal is now worth more than $100 million (£62.4 million). Facebook said: "We've considered this case closed for a long time. We're pleased they now agree."

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