Activision Blizzard case dismissal denied again

Activision Blizzard lost its appeal to have the harassment and abuse cases dismissed.

The Los Angeles Superior Court has denied Activision Blizzard’s request for dismissal of the case brought against it by the California Civil Rights Department.

This marks the second time a request for dismissal from the embattled company was denied, paving the way for the California Civil Rights Department (or CRD) to proceed with its case.

That case, of course, refers to the lawsuit filed by the CRD (formerly known as the Department of Fair Employment and Housing) in July alleging that Activision Blizzard fostered a toxic workplace culture, after multiple women came forward with claims of harassment and abuse.

The original request, filed in August and reported on by Kotaku, states: “We are moving to dismiss the DFEH’s Complaint because the agency violated its own rules, acted in bad faith, and undermined its authority to file this lawsuit.”

“Our motion comes just days after we joined the EEOC in opposing the sixth attempt by the DFEH to disrupt the federal settlement reached with the EEOC that already is helping Activision build a better and more inclusive workplace and providing relief and closure to current and former employees,” the request continued.

These lawsuits are taking place during a transitory period for the company, as it awaits the verdict for a possible buyout from Microsoft. Picture: Activision Blizzard

As reported by Axios, the CRD issued a statement regarding the victory: “With the Court of Appeal’s denial of a writ of mandate, the CRD will continue litigating this case to enforce the civil rights guarantees in the Fair Employment and Housing Act and the California Equal Pay Act on behalf of women who worked for Activision.”

“The Court of Appeal’s ruling allows the CRD to continue pursuing relief for the thousands of women in California who have suffered sex-based discrimination, harassment, and retaliation as Activision workers.”

The court hearings will not begin until 2023 due to requests for delays from both parties.

Written by Junior Miyai on behalf of GLHF.