Activision Blizzard faces another sexual harassment lawsuit

A lot of people were hoping that the worst of Activision Blizzard was over by now, but it looks like it’s only going to the next round. A lawsuit was filed again on October 7 against Activision Blizzard and the company’s ex-manager Miguel Vega. An Activision Blizzard employee has claimed that the company has done nothing to address sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace.

Previously, Activision Blizzard faced multiple lawsuits alleging sexual harassment and discrimination. In July 2021, the company was sued by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, and another lawsuit, brought by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, was settled last year for $18 million.

Activision in the maelstrom of lawsuits

Overall, Activision Blizzard just doesn’t have a good reputation. First came the complaints of sexual harassment, then other employees complained about underpayment and poor treatment. Massive protests and unionization ensued, and Activision Blizzard dominated the headlines almost every day. Ultimately, calls were made for CEO Bobby Kotick to step down, but that didn’t happen.

The Wall Street Journal reported in 2021 that the company and Kotick received about 700 reports from employees of sexual assault, harassment, and misconduct. And now a new allegation against Activision Blizzard has surfaced.

New allegations of sexual assault

As first reported by the Daily Mail, the lawsuit has been filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. It is mainly about the repeated sexual harassment and advances by Activision Blizzard manager Miguel Vega towards an employee.

The employee who filed the lawsuit identified only as Jane Doe on the filing is being represented by attorney Lisa Bloom, who said her company is also representing eight other employees with similar experiences against Activision Blizzard.

The filing details how Jane Doe worked with Miguel Vega as of 2009. Vega reportedly helped Doe get work as a contractor for Activision Blizzard, and she was later hired as the Community Engagement Manager in 2020. The lawsuit alleges that Jane Doe was groped by Vega and that Vega repeatedly tried to kiss her, which she didn’t want to do. Vega also threatened to release “compromising photos” of Doe.