Activision Blizzard is being sued by yet another government agency. This time it's the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission [EEOC], which capped off a three-year investigation by filing a lawsuit earlier today.
The EEOC joins the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing in accusing Activision Blizzard of a culture of harassment and discrimination. It alleges that female employees were harassed, paid less, and retaliated against for complaining.
The lawsuit demands that Activision Blizzard compensate affected employees with back pay and damages. It also says that Activision Blizzard must "institute and carry out policies, practices, and programs to ensure equal employment opportunities, and which eradicate the effects of its past and present unlawful employment practices." You can read the full complaint here.
In reporting on the lawsuit, Wired reporter Cecilia D'Anastasio highlighted an investor release from last week in which Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick said he "continues to productively engage with regulators" including the EEOC. The EEOC was said to be considering a settlement with Activision Blizzard, but seemingly decided to go ahead with the lawsuit after all.
Activision Blizzard was first rocked by allegations of harassment and discrimination back in July. It was followed by numerous stories from employees, some of which were reported on IGN, as well as an employee walkout and the departure of Blizzard president J. Allen Brack. You can read the full timeline here.
The lawsuits and allegations have exacerbated the outflow of talent from Activision Blizzard, which has been ongoing for several years now. Blizzard's Chief Legal Officer departed the company just last week. With the Securities and Exchange Commission also getting involved, it seems unlikely that Blizzard's woes will end any time soon.
Kat Bailey is a Senior News Editor at IGN.
Continue reading...
The EEOC joins the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing in accusing Activision Blizzard of a culture of harassment and discrimination. It alleges that female employees were harassed, paid less, and retaliated against for complaining.
The lawsuit demands that Activision Blizzard compensate affected employees with back pay and damages. It also says that Activision Blizzard must "institute and carry out policies, practices, and programs to ensure equal employment opportunities, and which eradicate the effects of its past and present unlawful employment practices." You can read the full complaint here.
In reporting on the lawsuit, Wired reporter Cecilia D'Anastasio highlighted an investor release from last week in which Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick said he "continues to productively engage with regulators" including the EEOC. The EEOC was said to be considering a settlement with Activision Blizzard, but seemingly decided to go ahead with the lawsuit after all.
Activision Blizzard was first rocked by allegations of harassment and discrimination back in July. It was followed by numerous stories from employees, some of which were reported on IGN, as well as an employee walkout and the departure of Blizzard president J. Allen Brack. You can read the full timeline here.
The lawsuits and allegations have exacerbated the outflow of talent from Activision Blizzard, which has been ongoing for several years now. Blizzard's Chief Legal Officer departed the company just last week. With the Securities and Exchange Commission also getting involved, it seems unlikely that Blizzard's woes will end any time soon.
Kat Bailey is a Senior News Editor at IGN.
Continue reading...