Activision Blizzard employee open letter to sexual harassment lawsuit

Activision Blizzard, a game developer best known for Call of Duty and World of Warcraft, filed a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) on July 20, 2021, alleging that women workers are being treated unfairly, including sexual harassment and pay gaps. In response, 1,000 employees signed an open letter calling the company’s statement an insulting statement.

Following the DFEH lawsuit, Activision Blizzard first stated that the DFEH investigation began several years ago and that the working environment at Activision Blizzard has improved since then.

Activision Blizzard President Jay Allen Brack also argued that he should send an email to employees about the matter and talk about how we should work together to come together, rather than claiming that current and former employees have been harmed. Activision Blizzard’s vice president, Francis Townsend, also called the DFEH lawsuit useless and irresponsible.

Then, on July 26, more than 1,000 employees signed an open letter stating that Activision Blizzard’s response does not trust the victims and that the statement makes it clear that leadership does not put employee values first. Related information can be found here.