Activision never ever had “systemic problem with harassment”, states CEO Bobby Kotick

Bobby Kotick, the CEO of Activision, insists that the company has never had a “systemic problem with harassment.” He confirmed as much in an interview with Variety not too long ago.

His comments followed a 2021 lawsuit threat from the state of California over the company’s alleged promotion of a “frat young boy” culture. Kotick has been accused over the years of ignoring claims of unwanted sexual advances from numerous women.

We have checked for everything that could be checked. There has also never been a significant issue with harassment. Kotick stated to Variety that there were “zero instances of media mischaracterizations” of the company. But there was a radical staff movement plotting to disrupt operations.

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Activision’s CEO Bobby Kotick stated that “external forces” were to blame for the company’s poor results. Even more blatantly, he proclaimed, “I would not be sitting here speaking with you if any of what you check out in the inflammatory story was honest.”

These claims are consistent with an Activision Blizzard assessment from the summer of 2017 that found “no extensive harassment, or systemic harassment” at the company.

However, Kotick has stated unequivocally that he does not have an anti-union bias.

In 2015, Activision’s Raven Software quality assurance testers received assistance from the Communications Workers of America (CWA) in organising as a union. After two quality assurance testers were shot at Activision in 2023, the CWA accused the company of violating many workplace norms.

When asked to differentiate himself from “other CEOs that are anti-union,” Kotick responded, “I am not like those people.” I’m the only unionised CEO in the Fortune 500. I see no reason to stand in the way of workers forming a union if they believe doing so will help them and lead to better working conditions and greater opportunities. My mum worked in the classroom. I could care less if you get married or not. I will not hesitate to take legal action against any trade union that knowingly violates the law.

As a result of his little role in the 2011 baseball drama Moneyball, Kotick was invited to join SAG-AFTRA.

According to Kotick, anti-Semitism is at the heart of the backlash he’s received.

“The hatred has actually developed into a great deal of antisemitism,” Kotick said. Antisemitic overtones permeate online images of me. My children’s security is at risk.

Kotick has said that Microsoft is “without a doubt the best place for us to be” after hearing of Microsoft’s $68.7 billion offer to acquire Activision Blizzard.

His response was, “I like the business.” It’s great that it’s become a tradition. Pay for knowledge has been rising at an alarming rate, and that has me worried about the economy. We came to a mutually beneficial agreement.

In spite of Microsoft’s withdrawal, he remains optimistic about the company’s prospects.

“Operations at our firm are progressing swimmingly. As Kotick put it, we’re riding a wave of success, and our financial situation is excellent.

We have been successful over the past three decades, and that trend should continue. The merger would be great for the economy if it were allowed.

While the European Union has given Microsoft the green light to acquire Activision Blizzard, the deal has been stalled by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).