The sexism scandal and the ensuing debate does not cease for Activision Blizzard. Now, the Wall Street Journal published a report on the current situation at the publisher — which looks particularly bleak for CEO Bobby Kotick.
What happened? The world-famous publisher Activision Blizzard got into turmoil in the summer of 2021 and faced heavy criticism. Female employees complained about the toxic work environment at the gaming giant, and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) filed a lawsuit.
About half a year later, the situation at Activision Blizzard continues. According to a company spokesperson, many of the offenders have since been fired or reprimanded. However, CEO Bobby Kotick still remains a target on the firing range.
CEO allegedly withheld company situation report
What does the report show? According to the Wall Street Journal, the situation report allegedly includes over 700 employee complaints (via wsj.com). These were gathered by Activision Blizzard in recent months. Initially, they planned to make this available to the public over the Christmas holidays.
It is allegedly CEO Bobby Kotick who withheld the large report. He reportedly said that it would cast him in an especially bad light. He wants to: ‘Not make the problem seem bigger than it is.’
Furthermore, Kotick was allegedly already aware of the conditions prior to the investigations, including harassment and abuse during work hours. Once again, he missed his chance to inform the board. The same board continues to reaffirm its support for CEO Bobby Kotick.
How the publisher is reacting now: However, there is also good news that is officially confirmed. In the months since the end of the investigations by the DFEH, 37 employees have left the company. It is not mentioned whether they were fired or left voluntarily.
Another 44 employees had to undergo various disciplinary measures or received serious warnings.
In a statement from a spokesperson of Activision Blizzard, it says:
We have already reviewed and completed more than 90 percent of the employee reports since July. As a result of these reports, 37 employees have left the company, while 44 others have received written warnings, reprimands, and disciplinary actions.
The allegations that Bobby Kotick withheld the large report containing over 700 complaints from employees are firmly denied by the management. They stand behind Kotick and insist that no one intentionally tried to exclude the public and/or the press from the still ongoing debate.
