Some guesswork: Per Dean, Timnit appears to have precipitated this by violating internal process for a 2 week internal review period and approval before extern

Some guesswork: Per Dean, Timnit appears to have precipitated this by violating internal process for a 2 week internal review period and approval before external submission of a paper. (I have no idea how regularly this process is enforced, but I think it's standard in the industry). And then -- reading between the lines -- reacted poorly to the lack of approval. Whence Dean and Megan made the decision to force a retraction. Then Timnit demanded the names and feedback of the reviewers. Again, as an outsider, I have no idea if the provision of this is customary. But not just the reviewers; also everyone that Dean and Megan had spoken with. I do wonder how much of this was the irregular process around the paper, her reaction to criticism of the paper, or her public criticism of DEI efforts, particularly as a manager. Or all of the above. Calling out your leadership chain, both for DEI metrics and for behavior about the paper -- while also disclosing that you seriously considering suing Google -- seems unwise if you don't wish to be terminated.