Last week, California filed a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard, alleging widespread sex discrimination, sexism and harassment against women. Since then, Activision Blizzard itself and several heads of organizations have not only issued public statements denying all the allegations, but have also aggressively attacked the lawsuit itself.
Now other voices are joining the conversation, including that of co-founder and former CEO Mike Morhaime. Morhaime may be the first to apologize directly, saying that he knows these are “just words”, but that he believes the stories of these women and that he “regrets letting you down”.
Blizzard co-founder feels “embarrassed” by company claims
Morhaime’s letter gets right to the point. It begins with Morhaime explaining that he has read the entirety of California’s complaint against Activision Blizzard, goes on to say that he is “embarrassed” and that everything he thought he was standing for has been wiped out. In his explanation he says that real people were injured and that women have had terrible experiences at Blizzard.
To characterize the situation, Morhaime has been in the business for a total of 28 years. Some of the charges included in the trial stem from events that occurred during his tenure. In the declaration, Morhaime admits it was his responsibility and that of Blizzard’s management ensure the safety, support and fair treatment of all employees.
He also says he thinks they can do better and that the gaming industry can be a place where:
“Women and minorities are welcome, included, supported, recognized and rewarded, and ultimately they are not denied the opportunity to make the kind of contributions that we will all join in this industry.”
Morhaime’s statement is the strongest condemnation discrimination, sexism and harassment alleged in the trial. Morhaime’s position of power at Blizzard also lends some legitimacy to the case, especially given the lack of accountability assumed among the current leadership of Activision Blizzard.
