Activision Blizzard lawsuit: California sues video game developer, alleging culture of sexual harassment

The state agency said in a press release: “DFEH alleges that women have been subjected to ongoing sexual harassment, including groping, comments and advances,” the state agency said in a statement. a press release. “The lawsuit also alleges that the company’s executives and human resources officers were aware of the harassment and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the unlawful conduct, instead retaliating against the women have complained.”

A spokesperson for Activision Blizzard, the company best known for creating popular games including “Call of Duty” and “World of Warcraft,” told CNN it is taking the allegations seriously and conducted internal investigations into all complaints.

Kelvin Liu, Director of Corporate Communications at Activision Blizzard, said: “We value diversity and strive to promote an inclusive workplace for all. “There is no place in our company or industry, or any industry, for sexual misconduct or harassment of any kind.”

California’s lawsuit contradicts the company’s claims, accusing Activision Blizzard of fostering a “twin-sister” work culture where female employees must “constantly resist criticism and advancement.” unwanted by male co-workers,” the filing said.

Liu told CNN that action was taken to address past issues related to misconduct cases that made state filings and investigations “inaccurate” and ” Distorted”.

“The picture that DFEH paints is not where Blizzard works today,” Liu said. “Over the past few years and continuing since the initial investigation began, we have made significant changes to address our company culture and reflect more diversity in our leadership team. I.”

However, the state alleges in its lawsuit, Activision Blizzard maintains a leadership team held exclusively by white males with a number of women holding leading roles. DFEH also claims female employees receive lower starting salaries and progress more slowly than their male counterparts.

The game company told CNN it has tried to pay all employees fairly and has also beefed up internal programs to create channels for employees to report violations.

“We are confident in our ability to demonstrate our practices as an equal opportunity employer, promoting a supportive, diverse and inclusive workplace for all and We are committed to continuing this effort in the years to come.

Activision Blizzard is a leading gaming platform headquartered in Santa Monica, California with approximately 9,500 employees and more than 100 million players worldwide, the filing said.

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