An
SEC Filing from
Activision Blizzard reports on an internal investigation (aided by "external
advisers") by the company's board of directors. The board has cleared itself of
any wrongdoing in the workplace harassment scandals that have rocked the company
and spawned multiple lawsuits (thanks
Eurogamer). Here's a bit:
Contrary to many of the allegations, the
Board and its external advisors have determined that there is no evidence to
suggest that Activision Blizzard senior executives ever intentionally ignored or
attempted to downplay the instances of gender harassment that occurred and were
reported. That work also has not unearthed any evidence, directly or indirectly,
suggesting any attempt by any senior executive or employee to conceal
information from the Board. Outside advisors, after exhaustive review, also
determined the Board never intentionally ignored or attempted to downplay the
instances of gender harassment that occurred and were reported. The review of
contemporaneous documentation and statements by relevant individuals shows that
media criticism of the Board and Activision Blizzard senior executives as
insensitive to workplace matters is without merit. Activision Blizzard senior
executives responded in a timely manner and with integrity and resolve to
improve the workplace. While there are some substantiated instances of gender
harassment, those unfortunate circumstances do not support the conclusion that
Activision senior leadership or the Board were aware of and tolerated gender
harassment or that there was ever a systemic issue with harassment,
discrimination or retaliation.