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Activision Blizzard shares drop after reports allege sexual misconduct

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Bobby Kotick, Activision Blizzard’s CEO, speaks at the CNBC Evolve Conference November 19th in Los Angeles.

Jesse Grant | CNBC

Activision BlizzardShares fell more than 6% on Tuesday following a report from The Wall Street Journal alleged CEO Bobby KotickThe videogame maker was aware of allegations of sexual misconduct.

The Journal reports that Kotick did not inform the board about allegations, including one of rape.

CNBC received a statement from an Activision spokesperson stating that the WSJ Report was inaccurate and that it represented a misinterpretation of the CEO.

A spokesperson for Activision Blizzard stated, “We are disappointed with the Wall Street Journal’s report that presents an inaccurate representation of Activision Blizzard’s CEO and Activision Blizzard.” “All instances of sexual misconduct brought to his attention have been addressed.”

In a video message sent to employees Tuesday, Kotick addressed the report and said anyone who doubts his “conviction to be the most welcoming, inclusive workplace doesn’t really appreciate how important this is to me,” according to a transcript posted to the company’s website.

As the news breaks, video game company faces a series of investigationsIts work practices at the workplace, such as how it responded to allegations of misconduct or discrimination.

California Department of Fair Employment and Housing was established in July filed a lawsuit that alleged the company hasA “fratboy culture”, which is a breeding ground for harassment of women and discrimination.

Blizzard President J. Allen Brack left the company shortly after the news. According to the lawsuit, he knew as far back as 2019, that there was sexual harassment in the workplace.

FactSet reports that Kotick held 4,094 Activision Shares valued at $285 Million as of Monday’s close. His 2020 compensation package was worth more than $154million. Journal previously reported.

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