Activision Blizzard confirms 37 people "fired or pushed out" in wake of lawsuit
Danielle Partis
News Editor
Monday 17th January 2022
Activision Blizzard
Activision Blizzard has reportedly "fired or pushed out" 37 employees and disciplined 44 more since July last year in the wake of a slew of misconduct allegations, according to a new report from The Wall Street Journal.
That number is an increase on the 20 people that had "exited" the company by October last year, and the further 20 that had faced disciplinary action, as shared by EVP for corporate affairs Fran Townsend.
According to WSJ, the updated figures were slated to be released in December, but were held back by Bobby Kotick over concerns that the number could make the company's workplace issues seem bigger.
Activision spokeswoman Helaine Klasky confirmed the figures, and also disputed claims that the firm has collected over 700 reports of employee concern related to misconduct and other issues, claiming that the aforementioned reports included social media statements and benign workplace concerns.
Klasky also disputed claims that the CEO had held the figures back, and said "The assertion regarding Mr. Kotick is untrue," and "our focus is making sure we have accurate data and analysis to share."
The firm is also experiencing pressure from shareholders over its handling of the allegations; Fidelity International, a UK investor that owns around 0.6% of Activision Blizzard, reportedly sent a letter saying that the board should consider placing Kotick on administrative leave while a third party reviews the ongoing problems at the company.
In addition, Fidelity also called for the board to be a bit more independent and composed of non-Activision Blizzard people.
The shareholder warned that it would divest shares or enlist the support of other
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