Bobby Kotick Responds To Wall Street Journal Reports Over Sexual Harassment Cover Up At Activision Blizzard

The Internet has once again turned to the Activision Blizzard ongoing sexual harassment problems as CEO Bobby Kotick was accused of covering up harassment reports, Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports.(Link paywalled).

When the first reports of sexual harassment and toxic culture surfaced against Activision Blizzard following a lawsuit by , Bobby Kotick had feigned he knew nothing about the reported toxic culture of Blizzard Entertainment, which saw allegations of sexual harassment at best and rape at worst.

The new report says otherwise, however, claiming that he knew about the reports prior to the public knowing, and facilitated in the cover-up to protect high-ranking employees.

Employees themselves have staged a walkout from the company, with over 100 people walking out of their campus in Irvine to demand Kotick be replaced.

Activision Blizzard Responds To Allegations

In response to the allegations, Activision Blizzard issued a statement, calling the reports misleading.

“We are disappointed in the Wall Street Journal’s report, which presents a misleading view of Activision Blizzard and our CEO. Instances of sexual misconduct that were brought to his attention were acted upon”, the statement reads. “The WSJ ignores important changes underway to make this the industry’s most welcoming and inclusive workplace and it fails to account for the efforts of thousands of employees who work hard every day to live up to their – and our – values”.

It should be noted that the report never accuses Kotick of ignoring reports, instead working to cover them up and have them settled outside of court.

The board of directors have also thrown their support behind Bobby Kotick, issuing their own statement of support.

“The Activision Blizzard Board remains committed to the goal of making Activision Blizzard the most welcoming and inclusive company in the industry”, the statement reads.

“The Board remains confident that Bobby Kotick appropriately addressed workplace issues brought to his attention.The goals we have set for ourselves are both critical and ambitious. The Board remains confident in Bobby Kotick’s leadership, commitment and ability to achieve these goals”.

Finally, Kotick himself has also issued a statement, doubling down on the report being “misleading” but never directly addressing any of the allegations.

“Anyone who doubts my conviction to be the most welcoming, inclusive workplace doesn’t really appreciate how important this is to me.”

Shakeups At Activision Blizzard

The whole sexual harassment saga at Activision Blizzard has shaken up the company on every level, with key figures such as developer Jesse McCree having left the company after reports surfaced, though it was never officially confirmed that the two events were tied.

Even newly-installed co-leader of Blizzard Entertainment Jen Oneal stepped down earlier this month, following what Polygon reports as her own dissatisfaction with the company.

“It was clear that the company would never prioritize our people the right way,” Oneal wrote. “I have been tokenized, marginalized, and discriminated against.”

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