The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) has alleged that Activision Blizzard are trying to hamper their investigations into sexual harassment and discrimination at the company. On Monday they lodged an amended complaint which expands the the scope of the lawsuit to include temporary, as well as full time, employees.
Axios report the DFEH have also alleged that “documents related to investigations and complaints were shredded by human resource personnel” and that Activision Blizzard are issuing NDA’s (Non Disclosure Agreements) to staff, requiring them to talk to Activision before they speak to the DFEH. The updated suit states that this “directly interferes” with the DFEH’s ability to conduct its investigation.
An Activision spokesperson has rebutted the allegations. “With regards to claims that we have destroyed information by shredding documents, those claims are not true. We took appropriate steps to preserve information relevant to the DFEH investigation,” they stated.
They also stated they had “complied with every proper request in support of its review even as we had been implementing reforms to ensure our workplaces are welcoming and safe for every employee.”
Sponsors of the Overwatch League are “reassessing” their relationship with the Overwatch League following he state of California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing lawsuit and the walk outs that followed. State Farm, Kellogg’s Cheez-It, and Pringles have been removed from the list off official sponsor for the league. Coca-Cola, Kellogg, State Farm and T-Mobile are said to be “reassessing partnerships with Activision Blizzard”, and adverts for Cheez-It, Pringles, and T-Mobile have been removed.
ABK Workers Alliance – Activision Blizzard
Additionally, the ABK Workers Alliance has been formed and represents works from across Activision, Beenox, Blizzard Entertainment, High Moon Studios, Infinity Ward, King, Sledgehammer Games, Raven Software, and Vicarious Visions. It was this group that organised the one day walk out by employees a few weeks ago.
Source: Axios
