Activision Blizzard is under investigation by federal regulators into the company’s handling of allegations of employee sexual misconduct and workplace discrimination. As the Wall Street Journal reports, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has subpoenaed Activision Blizzard and several senior executives, including CEO Bobby Kotick.
The SEC requested a wide range of documents from Activision Blizzard, including minutes of board meetings since 2019, personal files of six former employees, and separation agreements the company had with members. staff in 2021, according to records obtained by the WSJ. He also requested Kotick’s communications with other senior executives regarding complaints of sexual harassment or discrimination by Activision Blizzard employees and contractors.
An Activision Blizzard spokesperson confirmed to GameSpot that the SEC is investigating the company.
“The United States Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating the company’s disclosures regarding employment and related matters, and has issued subpoenas against the company and several current employees and elders who are looking for information on this. The company is cooperating with the SEC, ”an Activision Blizzard spokesperson told GameSpot.
The SEC is investigating whether Activision Blizzard properly disclosed the allegations of workplace harassment and gender pay issues, and whether that information should have been shared with investors and other parties earlier.
An investigation by a federal agency like the SEC exacerbates ongoing legal issues Activision Blizzard has faced since the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing sued the company over alleged sexual harassment and discrimination issues in July. California updated its lawsuit in late August, accusing Activision Blizzard of shredding evidence related to the investigation.
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