Activision Blizzard is now being investigated by US government over sexual harassment allegations
Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick. (Getty Images)
Activision Blizzard is now being investigated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
The SEC has subpoenaed the company and a number of its executives, including CEO Bobby Kotick.
The government agency will be investigating how the company has handled the allegations of sexual harassment and toxic culture, following a lawsuit filed by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing.
The SEC works to enforce the law against market manipulation by protecting investors and maintaining fair markets.
As such, this move is likely to concern Activision Blizzard investors unhappy with the torrent of news as opposed to finding justice for the victims.
As reported by the Wall Street Journal, the publisher has been asked to hand over various documents including personnel files of six previous employees and records of Kotick’s communications with execs relating to the sexual harassment allegations.
The SEC is investigating to determine whether Activision Blizzard and its executives correctly disclosed allegations of workplace harassment and gender pay issues to investors and other related individuals, according to documents obtained by the Wall Street Journal.
Activision Blizzard spokesperson Helaine Klasky told the Wall Street Journal that the SEC is focused on “the company’s disclosures regarding employment matters and related issues.”
In addition, she confirmed several current and former employees had been subpoenaed, stating “the company is cooperating with the SEC.”
This investigation is the latest issue faced by the Call of Duty and World of Warcraft publisher.
Activision Blizzard were previously accused of shredding information pertaining to the sexual harassment lawsuit.
More recently, staff at the company filed a lawsuit accusing them of union-busting and worker intimidation.
This lawsuit was put together by the pressure group ABetterABK formed of current and former employees seeking better working conditions at both Activision Blizzard and across the industry.
For more gaming news, follow Gaymeo on Facebook and Twitter. You can also email us with any news or tips on [email protected]
