Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has broken his silence on the recent lawsuit and sexual harassment allegations, calling the company’s initial response “tone deaf” and promising “quick action.”
In a letter Addressed to workers, who have planned a strike and have previously written a letter denouncing the board’s statements, Kotick said it was a “difficult” and “troubling” week and appreciated those who came forward with their stories.
“Many of you have told us that active outreach stems from such a deep concern for the company,” Kotick wrote. “Having so many people reaching out and sharing thoughts, suggestions and highlighting opportunities for improvement is a powerful reflection of how you care for our communities of colleagues and players – and each other. Making sure we have a safe and welcoming work environment is my top priority. The leadership team heard you loud and clear.”
Kotick’s “quick action” includes hiring a law firm to review Activision Blizzard’s policies and procedures to “ensure we have and maintain best practices to promote a respectful and inclusive workplace.” The law firm, WilmerHale, is headed by Stephanie Avakian – formerly director of the Enforcement Division of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
In 2010, Kotick was forced to relinquish millions of dollars after the completion of a 2007 sexual harassment case filed by a former female employee of Cove Management – a company he owned. Kotick fired her after she complained that she was being harassed by a male colleague. We don’t want to deviate from the current issue, so you can read more about that fiasco here if you wish.
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