Activision decides to pay $18 million to settle misconduct lawsuit

Video game company Activision Blizzard was in the news recently because of the lawsuit filed against them by The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The Lawsuit stated that the company discriminated against pregnant employees and subjected several employees to sexual harassment incidents, paying female employees less than their male counterparts and going after women who complained about such unfair practices and other related retaliation. The company was under investigation since 2018 as they failed to take corrective measures. 

On Monday the discussion finally ended with Activison agreeing to pay $18 million to settle the civil rights complaint. In their press statement, Activision said that the money would "compensate and make amends to eligible claimants" and the rest of the fund will go to charities that "advance women in the video game industry or promote awareness around harassment and gender equality issues". The company also pledged to use some of the funds to improve inclusion and diversity efforts within their firm.  

Source: The New York Times, Polygon