Activision Blizzard hit with new lawsuit over harassment and discrimination at workplace
Activision Blizzard is now facing a new lawsuit over multiple cases of workplace misconduct. It was filed by a current employee who allegedly experienced “rampant sexism” and discrimination.
According to Bloomberg, the lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on March 23. The plaintiff, who currently works at Activision Blizzard, is referred to as “Jane Doe.”
Key takeaways
- The plaintiff joined Activision Blizzard in 2017 as senior administrative assistant to executives in the IT department.
- She allegedly had to drink tequila shots during the so-called “initiation lunch” on her first day of work. Doe was also forced to drink alcohol at work and participate in different activities with sexual overtones.
- To avoid sexual harassment and inappropriate comments, she started to dress “more conservatively.”
- Despite multiple comments about excessive drinking and her supervisors’ behavior, Doe was allegedly told that her leadership just tried to be friends with her.
- She tried to escape the hostile environment in the IT department by applying to different open positions across the company, but was declined multiple times.
- Doe is now asking Activision to fire CEO Bobby Kotick and retain an independent investigation firm. On top of that, she is seeking lost earnings, punitive damages, a restraining order, and medical expenses.
This lawsuit was filed ahead of Activision Blizzard’s settlement with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). It’s been reported that the company will have to pay $18 million from its fund to compensate employees claiming different harassment damages. If approved, this settlement would prevent other plaintiffs from seeking damages at the state court level.
