Remember this story from yesterday? Well, first thing is first. Jennifer Hepler is not a writer on Mass Effect. The rest of the story is still true and she is still a writer on the Dragon Age series.
With that correction out of the way, on to the latest news. BioWare's co-founder, Dr. Ray Muzyka, has issued a statement on the mob mentality and immaturity of those relentlessly attacking Jennifer Hepler for statements that she either never actually said, or that were twisted around to read very poorly.
In addition, BioWare is making a donation of $1,000 (I'm not sure if this is USD or Canadian) to Bullying Canada.
While I admire this move on BioWare's part and the part of Dr. Muzyka it needs to be noted that both Hepler and another BioWare employee reacted rather poorly on Twitter. BioWare Edmonton's GM said to at least one person to "go fuck yourself." Hepler herself made a remark that people are "jealous that I get to have both a vagina AND a games industry job." Both of these were handled very poorly in the wake of what's happened.
Both sides of the issues should be ashamed of themselves and apologies should be issued on both sides of the coin. And next time, Internet, do a little research before you reach for the pitchforks and torches. Seriously.
With that correction out of the way, on to the latest news. BioWare's co-founder, Dr. Ray Muzyka, has issued a statement on the mob mentality and immaturity of those relentlessly attacking Jennifer Hepler for statements that she either never actually said, or that were twisted around to read very poorly.
Jennifer is a valued, talented employee who has been with BioWare for many years and we hope will be with us for many more. It is awful that a few people have decided to make her a target for hate and threats, going so far as fabricating forum posts and attributing them to her, and singling her out for projects to which she has not contributed (i.e., Jennifer is not even a part of the Mass Effect writing team). All of us at BioWare support and will continue to support Jennifer fully, and are happy to see so many people out there are also supporting her during this difficult time.
- Dr. Ray Muzyka. Co-Founder of BioWare; General Manager, BioWare Label; Senior Vice President, Electronic Arts
- Dr. Ray Muzyka. Co-Founder of BioWare; General Manager, BioWare Label; Senior Vice President, Electronic Arts
In addition, BioWare is making a donation of $1,000 (I'm not sure if this is USD or Canadian) to Bullying Canada.
While I admire this move on BioWare's part and the part of Dr. Muzyka it needs to be noted that both Hepler and another BioWare employee reacted rather poorly on Twitter. BioWare Edmonton's GM said to at least one person to "go fuck yourself." Hepler herself made a remark that people are "jealous that I get to have both a vagina AND a games industry job." Both of these were handled very poorly in the wake of what's happened.
Both sides of the issues should be ashamed of themselves and apologies should be issued on both sides of the coin. And next time, Internet, do a little research before you reach for the pitchforks and torches. Seriously.
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