Chris Avellone Libel Case Dismissed As Two Accusers Withdraw Abuse Allegations
Two of Chris Avellone's accusers have withdrawn their allegations of sexual misconduct, ending a defamation suit brought against them. Karissa Barrows, who previously accused Avellone of getting her "blackout drunk" before kissing her, has now withdrawn her allegations. Another accuser, Kelly Bristol, who previously tweeted that Avellone groped her in 2014, has also retracted this allegation.
The libel case, brought on by Avellone after allegations made by Barrows and Bristols were shared online, was dismissed with prejudice, meaning the case cannot be refiled. Avellone has received a seven-figure payment, and says he wants to help "address issues within the gaming community" and "improve" its culture now that the case is put to rest.
Related: Report: How Women Navigate Crunch, Abuse, And Lack Of Opportunities In The Gaming Industry
"After engaging with Mr. Avellone, we have prepared the following statement," opens a joint statement from Barrows and Bristol. "Mr. Avellone never sexually abused either of us. We have no knowledge that he has ever sexually abused any women."
The statement continues, suggesting their previous words were not taken in the spirit that they were intended. "Anything we have previously said or written about Mr. Avellone to the contrary was not our intent," they say. "We wanted to support women in the industry. In so doing, our words have been misinterpreted to suggest specific allegations of misconduct that were neither expressed nor intended."
They also state that they believe Avellone "shares a desire to protect and uplift" women in the gaming community, and that they support his future work endeavours.
In turn, Avellone thanks Barrows and Bristol, saying that "their advocacy is to be
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