Activision Blizzard Officially Under SEC Investigation for Workplace Practices
Many of the company’s top executives, including its CEO, have been subpoenaed.
For the latter part of the summer, Activision Blizzard has faced multiple allegations regarding workplace abuse. In August, the company was accused of getting rid of any evidence that supported those claims. Last week, the company was hit with worker intimidation allegations as well.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the Securities and Exchange Commission have officially opened a “wide-ranging” investigation into the company for its workplace culture practices. The government agency officially subpoenaed the company and several of its top executives including CEO Bobby Kotick. Various documents are asked to be turned in, including correspondences with Kotick related to any sexual harassment complaints that are linked to Activision contractors and employees.
Earlier this summer, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) also sued the company for fostering a frat house culture led by it executives. The original complaint stated that only 20% of its employees being women and pinpointed that they are paid significantly less and often overlooked for promotions in comparison to their male counterparts. The company was also accused of its inability to address any of these workplace violations.
In a statement to the WSJ, Activision Blizzard’s Helaine Klasky told the publication that the SEC’s investigation is asking the company to disclose information regarding “employment matters and related issues.” The SEC is currently trying to figure out if Activision shared these issues properly or if they should have done so earlier.
In other gaming news, Destroy All Humans! 2 is being remade for next-gen consoles and PC.
