Activision Blizzard, a game company sued for sexual harassment and abuse, is being investigated by the authorities.

It was revealed on September 20, 2021 that a new investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has started for Activision Blizzard, a game company that has been accused of sexual harassment and discrimination against female employees. bottom. As a result, Activision Blizzard's share price has fallen further.

SEC Is Investigating Activision Blizzard Over Workplace Practices, Disclosures --WSJ
https://www.wsj.com/articles/sec-is-investigating-activision-blizzard-over-workplace-practices-disclosures-11632165080

SEC probing Activision Blizzard in wake of harassment, discrimination lawsuits | Ars Technica
https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/09/sec-probing-activision-blizzard-in-wake-of-harassment-discrimination-lawsuits/

Activision Blizzard, with popular titles such as ' Call of Duty ' and ' World of Warcraft, ' was sued by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) on July 20, 2021 for sexual abuse and abuse. In this case, Activision Blizzard's improper treatment of female employees, such as sexual harassment and wage gaps between men and women, is a problem.

What is the content of the open letter signed by about 1000 employees in a lawsuit against sexual abuse and abuse by the call-of-duty game company 'Activision Blizzard'? --GIGAZINE

Then, with a major law firm Activision Blizzard has a reputation for 'the labor union-busting' signed a contract and that, the President of the resignation of its subsidiaries, sponsors withdrawal of e-sports league, such as a lawsuit from shareholders become the news , August The situation is expanding as DFEH expands the scope of the proceedings on the 25th, saying that there is discrimination not only in the treatment of full-time employees but also in the treatment of temporary workers. In addition, a strike has occurred because Activision Blizzard's response is not sincere, and DFEH said, 'Activision Blizzard interfered with the investigation by DFEH through a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) , and before employees contacted DFEH, with the company side. I want to speak. '

And anew, the SEC has begun investigating Activision Blizzard, the Wall Street Journal reports on September 20, 2021. The SEC has summoned several senior executives, including Activision Blizzard CEO Robert Kotick, and former employees, as well as the minutes of meetings held since 2019, between Kotick and executives. He requested the submission of various documents such as records of exchanges, documents related to the personnel affairs of six former employees, and documents of the separation contract made in 2021.

Documents in the proceedings filed by DFEH have revealed the reality of sexual harassment in Activision Blizzard, and it is reported that 'high-ranking officers were performing explicit sexual harassment without blame.' A female employee who was on a business trip with a male boss also committed suicide during a business trip, and it is said that this male boss was sexually harassing the female employee.

Former senior creative director Alex Afrasiabi was also reported to have openly beat and kissed female employees and said they 'want to get married.' The court alleged that this forced other male employees to physically separate Mr. Afrasiabi from the female employees. Mr. Allen Black, who retired from the president in August, was informed about Mr. Afrasiabi's problematic behavior, but he seems to have done it with a light punishment.

Blizzard president ends 16-year tenure amid lawsuit fallout | Ars Technica
https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/08/blizzard-president-j-allen-brack-steps-down-amid-lawsuit-fallout/

In response to this situation, shareholders in early August said, 'Activision Blizzard made a misleading and false statement about discrimination, fraud and harassment being carried out internally and artificially inflated the stock price.' A lawsuit has been filed . The SEC's investigation this time is related to this matter, and it is said that Activision Blizzard is investigating whether it properly disclosed information on harassment etc. to shareholders. A spokeswoman for Activision Blizzard acknowledges that the SEC's investigation is about 'company disclosure of employment and related issues' and that it is cooperating with the SEC.

The stock price of Activision Blizzard has fallen 17% since the proceedings were announced, and it has fallen another 4% after the SEC's investigation was found to be underway.