Activision boss Bobby Kotick blamed ‘external forces’ for the firm’s poor reputation

Bobby Kotick, boss of video game publisher Activision Blizzard said diversity that despite being targeted by the state of California for its alleged “frat boy” culture – there has never been a “disturbing systemic issue” at the organization. Following the allegations, several sexual harassment lawsuits were filed against the firm — and ironically, in the hours following this particular interview, A new report noted In the past year alone, 114 complaints of harassment, discrimination or retaliation were filed by employees.

“We have every possible form of investigation,” Kotick said. “And we’ve had no systemic issues with harassment — ever. We’ve had none that have been mischaracterized in the media. But we’ve had a very aggressive labor movement that’s destabilizing and destabilizing the company. was working hard for.” Kotick blamed “external forces” for his company’s poor reputation. “I wouldn’t be talking to you here if what you read in the inflammatory narrative is true.”

The executive claimed he was not anti-union: “I’m not like other CEOs who are anti-union. I am the only Fortune 500 CEO who is a member of a union. If we have workers who want a union to represent them, and they believe that union will be able to provide them with opportunities and improve their work experience, I’m all for that. I have a mother who was a teacher. I don’t hate the union. What I hate is a union that doesn’t play by the rules. “

Kotick also touched on the personal criticism he received, saying there were anti-Semitic views: “The hatred has turned into a lot of antisemitism. When you look at pictures of me on the Internet, there are these anti-Semitic undertones. My children have received death threats.”

Of course, once moneyball Assuming Microsoft’s $69 billion purchase clears, the star might not stay at Activision Blizzard for much longer. He said the Redmond firm represents “the best place for us” and added: “I love the company. I love the culture. I’m really scared about the economy — compensation for talent is going up in ways that have to be dealt with. is complicated for us. So this deal made a lot of sense.”

However, perhaps before the deal fell through, he insisted that the organization would be fine without the Xbox maker: “We have a great company. We have a lot of momentum, and we have an extraordinary balance sheet. And we can succeed alone as we have for the past 30 years. But it would be great if the deal goes through because I think it’s the right thing for our industry. “