SEC Launches Separate Investigation On Activision Blizzard Over Their Workplace Behavior

As if a state-sanctioned sexual harassment lawsuit wasn’t enough, Activision Blizzard is now being investigated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission for how the company handled employees’ complaints of sexual misconduct and discrimination within its walls.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the SEC has subpoenaed the company and its executives, including CEO Bobby Kotick, asking for various records and documents, including but not limited to personnel files, termination documents, board meeting minutes from as far back as 2019, and Kotick’s correspondence with other senior executives regarding sexual harassment and discrimination complaints.

Activision Blizzard spokesperson Helaine Klasky confirmed that they were being investigated by the SEC and that they were cooperating with the federal agency.

Activision Blizzard has been in hot water since the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing filed a sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuit against the company following a two-year investigation into the company’s alleged frat boy culture. The company promptly cleaned house with multiple executives and senior management staff terminated for their involvement in the matter. The State of California also accused the company of destroying evidence and tampering with witnesses and have updated the lawsuit to include the allegations.