Activision Blizzard’s CEO has been subpoenaed as part of a new SEC investigation
Government agency is looking into the handling of sexual misconduct and workplace discrimination allegations
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has launched an investigation into Activision Blizzard related to the company’s handling of sexual misconduct and discrimination allegations.
The SEC is a government agency tasked with protecting investors and maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the SEC’s investigation of Activision Blizzard is a “wide-ranging” one which includes its response to reports of misconduct and discrimination.
The Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Candy Crush maker has been subpoenaed, as have members of its leadership team including CEO Bobby Kotick.
The SEC has reportedly requested documents including minutes from Activision Blizzard board meetings dating back to 2019, to review communications among top executives regarding complaints of sexual harassment or discrimination made by Activision employees.
An Activision Blizzard spokesperson said the company was cooperating with the SEC, which has also asked for personnel files for several former staff members and details of recent separation agreements the company has struck with ex-employees.
In July, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) filed a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard accusing it of failing to properly address reports of harassment and discrimination.
Further reading
Diablo 4 director, lead designer, and WoW senior designer exit Blizzard
The following month, a class action lawsuit was filed against Activision Blizzard by Rosen Law Firm on behalf of the company’s investors. It alleges investors suffered damages because Activision Blizzard “made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose” the workplace issues raised in the DFEH lawsuit.
One of the developers behind Diablo II’s upcoming remake recently said consumers should “do what they feel is right” when considering whether to buy the game.
Diablo II: Resurrected, which releases on September 23, is the first game from Activision Blizzard since the California DFEH filed its lawsuit against the company.
The remake is being developed by Blizzard’s Vicarious Visions studio, a New York-based developer that was not implicated in the lawsuit.
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