Yesterday, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) filed a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard. Alleging that there'd been sex-based discrimination and harassment, pregnancy discrimination, pay discrimination towards women and related retaliation, that lawsuit ended almost as quickly as it started.
Despite the EEOC requesting a jury trial, Activision Blizzard issued a press release yesterday evening, confirming an $18 million settlement fund had been agreed. According to this, that'll be used to "compensate and make amends to eligible claimants", alongside donating remaining funds to diversity and equality charities. Presently, this agreement is pending court approval.
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Activision Blizzard Agrees To $18 Million Settlement, Following EEOC Lawsuit
Speaking within this press release, Activision Blizzard's CEO, Bobby Kotick, also released this statement:
There is no place anywhere at our company for discrimination, harassment, or unequal treatment of any kind, and I am grateful to the employees who bravely shared their experiences. I am sorry that anyone had to experience inappropriate conduct, and I remain unwavering in my commitment to make Activision Blizzard one of the world’s most inclusive, respected, and respectful workplaces.
This isn't the first lawsuit Activision Blizzard's faced over the matter, adding to a mounting list of charges. Having been separately sued by the State of California in July, they've been placed under under investigation for allegedly fostering a sexist and discriminatory work environment. That lawsuit's since been updated, following allegations that the publisher shredded key documents.
Otherwise, reports have mainly focused on Blizzard, which saw company president J. Allen Brack resign last month, but Activision also face a separate lawsuit from SOC Investment Group, who own shares in the company. CEO Bobby Kotick has also been subpoenaed by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
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