The Victim Alleges Multiple Incidents, Punished for Formal Compliant
Activision Blizzard is still under fire. With QA workers walking out due to unexpected layoffs, and government action being threatened, as well as the fact that the Game Awards refuse to give Activision Blizzard the spotlight for the awards themselves, a press conference was held for one of the victims of Blizzard’s workplace environment.
Lisa Bloom was hired for the victim, Christine, and spoke for her during a press conference held in front of Blizzard headquarters on December 8, 2021. Bloom spoke for Christine’s case in particular, how in the past four years with the company, she was approached for casual sex from superiors, had inappropriate comments about her body, how there were “alcohol-infused team events”, unwanted sexual advances, as well as inappropriate touching.
Not only was Christine told not to go to HR, but she was also told her coworkers were “just joking,”. When she did lodge a formal complaint, she was demoted and denied both profit sharing and stock opportunities, as well as opportunities to get a raise.
With this, enough was enough. Bloom, spoke for Christine and the victims of the workplace. “We are here because sexual harassment victims at Activision Blizzard have been ignored,” said Bloom. “They are still suffering, and it’s time that they are prioritized.”
With this being said, Bloom laid out three demands from Blizzard. First, that the settlement fund is expanded from the original $18 million to $100 million, with victim advocates being included in the fund organization and disbursement. Second, which is a big ask, that the company apologies to the victims. Third, that a neutral third party assesses the career damages within the company, and for promotions given within the company if said damages have occurred.
During this conference, Bloom also called for other victims to join them so that the company is held accountable.
After the conference, Activision Blizzard spoke to PC Gamer on their feelings about the matter.
“As we have continued to reaffirm in our recent communications, such conduct is not consistent with our standards, our expectations, and what the vast majority of our employees meet on a daily basis. There is no place in our company or industry, or any industry, for sexual misconduct, harassment or retaliation of any kind. We will not tolerate any behavior that is not aligned to our values and will hold employees accountable who fail to live up to them.”Â
Considering that Activision Blizzard, one of the largest gaming companies in North America is currently being investigated by three government agencies on the matter, including a separate investigation on the CEO, Bobby Kotick, on his handling of the situation…it’s a little difficult to believe what they’re saying.