Google is being investigated for gender pay inequality (https://ancillary-proxy.atarimworker.io?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Ftechnology%2F2017%2Fapr%2F07%2Fgoogle-pay-disparities-women-labor-department-lawsuit). Their response is that Google most definitely does not have this happening.
When someone comes in and tries to explain that it's natural for there to be one ("This leads to women generally having a harder time negotiating salary, asking for
raises, speaking up, and leading."), and it leaks to the public, it gives the prosecution some extra evidence for their case and it also is horrible public relations.
At some point, the truth value of the article doesn't matter any more than than that John Kerry actually was making a valid point with, "I voted before it before I voted against it" [meaning that the bills had changed]. People who disagree on a volatile issue aren't likely to bend over backwards to see your point in the best light. Unless it's your job to do so, one should just never make public statements on hot button issues that affect your company if you also want job security.