After conducting its own internal investigation, Activision Blizzard’s board of directors claims it found “no evidence” to indicate that its executives and its own members ignored or downplayed gender-based harassment. It is also asking its shareholders to vote against a forthcoming proposal to produce a report on its own abuse and harassment prevention efforts.
In a new SEC filing, Activision Blizzard claimed:
“[T]The Board of Directors and its external advisors have determined that there is no evidence that Activision Blizzard officers have ever intentionally ignored or attempted to downplay the instances of gender-based harassment that have occurred and been reported. Nor has this work uncovered any direct or indirect evidence that would indicate an attempt by any officer or employee to withhold information from the Board of Directors. External consultants, after a thorough review, also concluded that the Board has never intentionally ignored or attempted to downplay the instances of gender-based harassment that have occurred and been reported.”
The state of California’s first lawsuit, filed after a two-year investigation, alleges that management was aware of and failed to prevent numerous internal cultural issues. Subsequent reports and court cases also included allegations that incidents were reported and either ignored or brushed aside, with little meaningful consequence for the perpetrators. After the initial allegations, over 20 employees were fired and over 20 others otherwise fined by the following October.
Activision Blizzard Lawsuit Timeline: The Story So Far
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