Activision Blizzard, one of the largest video game publishers in the world, is currently facing a mass exodus and legal battles amid a harassment lawsuit. Since the initial lawsuit filed by California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), the company has seen a significant number of employees leaving or facing disciplinary measures.
According to Fran Townsend, the current executive vice president of corporate affairs at Activision Blizzard, over 20 people have left the company, while more than 20 others have faced disciplinary actions. While Townsend did not mention specific individuals affected, she emphasized that the company is committed to taking action against any misconduct or leaders who have tolerated an inappropriate culture.
In addition to the internal turmoil, Activision Blizzard is also dealing with a legal mess. The company has filed a request to suspend the DFEH’s lawsuit, citing a conflict of interest and possible ethical violation by DFEH lawyers. Activision Blizzard and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) had previously reached a settlement agreement worth $18 million, which the DFEH and other agencies opposed.
The disagreement between the DFEH and EEOC arose when the DFEH accused the EEOC’s attorneys of being involved in the federal investigation of Activision Blizzard while serving as members of the EEOC itself. The DFEH argued that the settlement between the two parties could lead to the destruction of crucial evidence for their own litigation against the company.
Furthermore, Activision Blizzard has requested that the case be designated as complex legislation and moved to a more appropriate court to handle the intricacies of the matter. The DFEH has supported this motion. A representative from Activision Blizzard stated that the company believes in a fair legal process and remains committed to addressing the allegations raised.
The ongoing issues at Activision Blizzard have garnered significant attention and have brought discussions about workplace harassment and discrimination in the gaming industry to the forefront. As the legal battles continue, it remains to be seen how the company will navigate this crisis and whether substantial changes will be made to address the cultural issues that have been exposed.
