- A new report claims that Activision Blizzard is trying to hide evidence during the ongoing trial by the DFEH
- The company allegedly destroys documents related to the case and tries to silence protestors
- As the lawsuit progresses, more sponsors leave Blizzard’s side
Blizzard has been accused of shredding important documents to the lawsuit by California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing.
Blizzard Allegedly Destroys Important Evidence
The situation around the California Department of Fair Employment’s lawsuit against Activision Blizzard continues to unfold. The game development company has been under fire because of numerous reports of mistreatment of female employees. Now it turns out that Blizzard has been allegedly trying to sweep up evidence under the rug.
According to a report from Axios, California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing is now expanding the lawsuit in two aspects – the first is that it will now stand not only for Activision Blizzard’s regular full-time employees but for temporary workers as well. The second is additional accusations against the game company, claiming it has been trying to destroy evidence that would help the investigation.
Blizzard has been allegedly shredding important documents despite knowing full well how important they are to the investigation by California’s DFEH. On top of it, reports claim that higher-ups of the company have been trying to negotiate with the protesting workers behind the scenes. Both actions are corrupt and obstruct the investigators’ work.
These additions to the court complaint against Activision Blizzard were added on Monday, August 23.
The Story Until Now
Everything started with California DFEH’s lawsuit against Blizzard's “frat-boy culture” that turns the workplace into a hellish landscape for female workers. Women who are currently working or have worked for the company report having received crass comments about their bodies and that the male colleagues often consume alcohol at the workplace. Because of that women are often left with the “lion’s share” of the work.
During a business trip, one female worker committed suicide following an affair with a male supervisor. Reportedly, the latter was carrying indecent toys in his luggage during the trip.
Activision Blizzard denied those claims and said that they are exaggerated and don’t represent the company as it is today but this blatant understating of the facts only led to additional outrage.
As many of the details around the lawsuit went public, some major sponsors of the Overwatch League and the Call of Duty league were disgusted. Many of them either pulled out their support or are currently reconsidering it. The list includes some big names such as Coca-Cola, IBM, State Farm, Pringles, Kellogs, Astro Gaming, and even the US Army.
Esports will likely suffer a huge blow because of the lawsuit and Blizzard’s unpopular way of dealing with it. The loss of so many sponsors is going to put Overwatch and Call of Duty esports through some difficult times.
