Original: The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is now suing Activision Blizzard over its alleged rampant sexual harassment and discrimination. The lawsuit was filed today, Monday September 27, 2021 in a California court. This lawsuit is based off of a three-year long investigation by the EEOC into the workplace conditions that have now become very well known amongst the general public.
The investigation is said to have included cooperation by Activision Blizzard, though the full extent of that help is not known. The EEOC is seeking a court order to stop unlawful behavior and pay restitution to employees who have suffered discrimination or retaliation while employed at Activision Blizzard.
The complaint filed by the EEOC says that it had notified Activision Blizzard about its findings on June 15 after they started their investigation in September 2018. Though they were in "extensive conciliation discussions" with the company, the EEOC "was unable to secure through informal methods an acceptable conciliation agreement." The EEOC wants this case to be heard in front of a jury.
This lawsuit comes less than a week after Activision Blizzard stated that they were "actively engaged in continued discussions with the EEOC."
Just as a quick recap:
- Activision Blizzard was first sued by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing that claim there was rampant sexual harassment and discrimination taking place at the studio.
- Activision Blizzard employees then staged a walkout in support of the lawsuit and then later formed the ABK Workers Alliance.
- This alliance was formed after Activision Blizzard hired known union-busting firm, WilmerHale.
- Details about the now infamous Cosby Suite were made public.
- Numerous employees of the company were let go, including Blizzard president J. Allen Brack.
- The company has also been sued by a number of investors, the first of which happened in early August 2021.
- More details about the company's "frat boy" culture were made public.
- The lawsuit from the state of California was expanded to include temporary workers in late August 2021.
- The United States Security and Exchange Commission launched their own investigation into Activision Blizzard in late September 2021.
- The Chief Legal Officer at Blizzard quit, also in late September 2021.
- ... and now the EEOC added their lawsuit in to the mix.
Update as of September 27, 2021 at 7:59PM (ET): Activision Blizzard has agreed to settle this lawsuit with the EEOC. The company has agreed to help create an $18 million (USD) fund that will be used to "compensate and make amends" among other terms. Additional details on this settlement can be found in the image below.
