The family of Kerri Moynihan, an Activision Blizzard employee who committed suicide in 2017, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company on Thursday, according to a report published by The Washington Post. The family says the sexual harassment the employee experienced while working at the company was a “significant factor” in her taking her own life.
Moynihan, although not mentioned directly, was a focal point of the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) lawsuit filed last summer. The suit claims that a photo of Moynihan’s vagina was allegedly passed around by a number of male colleagues.
The suit also alleges that Greg Restituito, Moynihan’s boss who also had a sexual relationship with her, lied to Anaheim Police Department investigators who were looking into her death in a hotel room at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. The complaint alleges that Restituito also hid evidence of their relationship following her death.
Activision Blizzard targeted in wrongful death suit
“[The company is] deeply saddened by the tragic death of Ms. Moynihan, who was a valued member of the company,” Activision Blizzard told The Washington Post. “We will address the complaint through the legal process as appropriate, and out of respect for the family we have no further comment at this time.”
This development is one of many lawsuits and controversies brought against the game publishing giant. The company currently faces lawsuits from the DFEH, shareholders, the SEC and others. Activision Blizzard moved to settle a separate lawsuit from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in September. The settlement has yet to be finalized.
Activision Blizzard is in the midst of being acquired by Microsoft for more than $68 billion. The acquisition leaves a number of questions about what will happen to executives and management team members who let a “frat boy” culture fester for over a decade.
The acquisition won’t close until 2023, and embattled CEO Bobby Kotick has agreed to leave the company once it’s complete.
Published: Mar 4, 2022 04:21 pm