What you need to know
- Recent reports indicate that Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick knew of and helped cover up cases of sexual harassment, as well as threatening an employee.
- Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser reportedly referred to this new report as "distressing and disturbing," per an email obtained by Fanbyte.
- This comes after similar statements made by Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan and head of Xbox Phil Spencer.
Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser referred to the recent reports on Activision Blizzard as "disturbing," per an email sent to employees and obtained by Fanbyte. This follows a report which claimed Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick knew of and helped cover up cases of sexual harassment.
"Along with all of you, I've been following the latest developments with Activision Blizzard and the ongoing reports of sexual harassment and toxicity at the company," Bowser wrote. "I find these accounts distressing and disturbing, they run counter to my values as well as Nintendo's beliefs, values and policies."
This statement comes after news of statements made by Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan and head of Xbox Phil Spencer. Ryan noted that he was "disheartened and frankly stunned" by the report, while Spencer noted that Xbox was "evaluating" its relationship with Activision Blizzard.
Bowser's email also reportedly noted that Nintendo is in contact with Activision Blizzard and "have taken action and are assessing others." Activision Blizzard is still facing a lawsuit from over the last several months, alleging that the company allowed sexist workplace behavior and an abusive culture to develop.
Bowser's email also reportedly mentions that Nintendo is working with lobbying group the ESA on increasing standards and accountability in cases of reported sexual harassment and workplace abuse.
