A statement issued yesterday says media criticism “is without merit”
Back in November, theWall Street Journalreported thatActivision BlizzardCEO Bobby Kotick was aware of some allegations of sexual misconduct among the company’s staff but did not inform the board of directors. Well, Activision Blizzard’s board issued a statement yesterday saying that “an objective review” from external advisors “determined the Board never intentionally ignored or attempted to downplay the instances of gender harassment that occurred and were reported”, and that there is no evidence “suggesting any attempt by any senior executive or employee to conceal information from the Board.”
That first review conducted by unspecified external advisors indicated there had been “some substantiated instances of gender harassment” – described as “unfortunate” - but this did not mean that Activision Blizzard’s senior leaders or the board were aware or tolerant of any such “reported” behaviour. Those instances do not, says the review, support the conclusion “that there was ever a systemic issue with harassment, discrimination or retaliation” at the company. The review also says that “media criticism of the Board and Activision Blizzard senior executives as insensitive to workplace matters is without merit”, and that “Activision Blizzard senior executives responded in a timely manner and with integrity and resolve to improve the workplace”.
An Activision Blizzard employee group, the ABK Workers Alliance, are not impressed. Theytweeted: “This is an incredible disrespect to the victims of harassment. You either knew what’s going on and did nothing or actively admit you’re not in control of your own company. We know it’s the former, so do you.“They’ve since tweeted atwopartthread expanding upon their reaction.
For those following along here, this is the two part (MANY TWEET) breakdown of their full SEC filing:Part 1:https://t.co/JY2e8Z3D7kPart 2:https://t.co/rNGpHu4gcw
In July last year, Activision Blizzarddenied the findingsof a two-year-long investigation by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). Only last month, Activision Blizzard’s board of directors recommended that shareholdersvote against a proposalby New York State that there be an investigation into how allegations of sexual harrassment and misconduct were being addressed internally. Any such vote would take place at Activision Blizzard’s annual meeting on June 21st, but the board suggested it would be better to “directly respond to employee concerns”.
Yesterday’s statement from Activision Blizzard’s board of directors reads like someone trying very hard to draw a line under things. Despite having comprehensively found they didn’t do anything wrong, the statement also lists “reforms and improvements” company management have made with the board’s supervision, including “the launch of a new company-wide zero-tolerance harassment policy.” We can only wait for the outcome of the company’s annual meeting on June 21st.
