Since the first DFEH lawsuit came to light, the string of layoffs and layoffs at Activision Blizzard it has been extensive. From the director of Diablo IV to the president of Blizzard itself, the revelations in positions have been described mostly as resignations, although everything pointed to layoffs by the company.
Now, thanks to an interview with the Financial Times and shared by Kotaku, Fran Townsend has indicated that “more than 20 people have left Activision Blizzard”, while “more than 20 people faced other types of disciplinary measures.” The current executive vice president of corporate affairs was responsible for taking the floor in the company’s first response to the harassment and discrimination lawsuit.
Townsend has not specifically mentioned any employee affected by these measures, although it has indicated that “no matter what your rank is, what your job is. If you have committed any kind of misconduct or are a leader who has tolerated a culture that is not consistent with our values, we will take action. “
Activision Blizzard puts the initial lawsuit in check
On the other hand, the legal mess for the company led by Bobby Kotick continues. They report from Gamesindustry.biz that the publisher submitted a request for suspend the demand made by the DFEH for charges of harassment and discrimination among the workforce.
The origin of this proposal stems from the conflict of interest and the possible ethical violation of the DFEH lawyers. Activision Blizzard and the EEOC reached a settlement agreement worth $ 18 million, a settlement that several agencies, including the DFEH, opposed.
However, the EEOC charged the DFEH that his attorneys had been involved in the federal investigation into Activision Blizzard as members of the EEOC itself. Previously, the DFEH filed its own complaint alleging that the agreement between the two parties could result in the destruction of key evidence for its own litigation against Activision Blizzard.
On the other hand, the company has also requested that the case be designated as “complex” legislation and moved to another more suitable court to handle the complicated nature of this case. The DFEH has also supported this motion. An Activision Blizzard representative shared the following statement:
“We look forward to resolving the case with the DFEH fairly in an appropriate court. We share the EEOC and DFEH’s goal of a safe and inclusive workplace that rewards employees equitably and remains committed to eliminating harassment and discrimination in our workplace. “