More than 150 Activision Blizzard employees held a walkout yesterday demanding the dismissal of CEO Bobby Kotick, following a new report unearth more allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct. The Wall Street Journal even suggested that Kotick himself allegedly threatened to kill someone. This is second walk workers organized this year after first lawsuit caused widespread allegations of discrimination and harassment.
It’s nice to see so many people showing up to make their voices heard. More than 150 people last counted live and many more joined remotely. #actiblizzwalkout pic.twitter.com/PdU3QrDiAK
– Valentine Powell 💙🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (@valentine_irl) November 16, 2021
Yesterday’s walk was held in response to new allegations from a Report of the Wall Street Journal (you’ll need a free subscription to read it). They said they spoke with several former employees and viewed internal documents that showed Kotick knew more about the employee misconduct allegations than he had previously suggested. New disturbing allegations about Kotick himself have also come to light, with claims that he interfered in the past to prevent an alleged harasser from being fired and that he allegedly had threaten to kill someone.
“We will not be silent until Bobby Kotick is replaced as CEO and continue to uphold our original request for Third-Party review by an employee-selected source.” said staff group ABetterABK.
I’m out today asking Bobby Kotick, Brian Bulato and Frances Townsend to step down #actiblizzwalkout
– Jessica Gonzalez 💙 #ActiBlizzWalkout (@BlizzJess) November 16, 2021
More than 150 workers gathered outside Blizzard Entertainment’s offices in Irvine, California. ABetterABK says 90 other people also joined the rally, with many taking part #actiblizzwalkout hashtag on Twitter to share thoughts and support their colleagues.
I can’t attend #ActiBlizzWalkout today but I am standing in solidarity with my employees. It’s been a while since I’ve cleaned the house.
– devolore (@devolore) November 16, 2021
Activision Blizzard has released a statement about the new allegations, spoke of recent improvements and claimed the WSJ report “presents a misleading view of Activision Blizzard and our CEO.” ABetterABK called this response “unacceptable”.
“We’re not just a revenue machine. We’re human, and it’s clear Bobby Kotick is not in favor of the health and safety of any human element.
“Under the leadership of Bobby Kotick, the company has been accused of abuse, sexual harassment, rape and death threats made by Kotick himself.” group said. “The board is also complicit if they let this slide. The time has passed for Bobby to step down.”
