A common theme that California companies have seen over recent years is that of employment discrimination issues within the video game and tech industries. While it is worth noting that this is a trend seen within the digital game world, it is not unique nor restricted to this industry. Many large companies across the Californian coast have seen issues with gender discrimination, age discrimination, hostile work environment, wrongful termination, and so much more for decades.
JML Law, A Professional Law Corporation, and our Los Angeles gender discrimination attorneys have extensive amounts of experience pushing for the rights of all in employment settings. While it is certainly important to contract a lawyer for these types of issues, it is equally important for you to know your rights in a job setting so that you are able to take legal action as soon as an issue occurs. Reach out to us today to learn more about your options after experiencing gender discrimination in your workplace.
Riot Games Joins a Long List Of California Companies Battling Discrimination Cases
Riot Games is a video game giant headquartered in West Los Angeles California. Since 2018, it has been battling a class action lawsuit concerning gender-based discrimination. The original lawsuit was filed in November 2018 by Melanie McCracken and Jess Negrón who alleged to have experienced misconduct, gender discrimination, and sexual harassment by other employees and superiors while working for the videogame giant.
The prosecution team, made up of many employees identifying as women and numerous California employment agencies such as the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH), will receive upwards of $100 million following the settlement. This staggering number comes nearly two years after Riot Games agreed to pay $10 million in settlement to the women. In a shocking turn of events, the DFEH intervened and blocked the agreement in a court filing. The California department claimed that the victims could be entitled up to $400 million – dwarfing the original $10 million settlement agreed upon.
The $100 million settlement will be distributed between approximately 2300 workers. $20 million of that money will be used for legal fees while the remaining $80 million will be payouts to victims of harassment and discrimination. In addition, the “Fortnite” publisher has agreed to make significant reforms to their job application process, employment selection panels, and even agree to the intervention of a third party to monitor workplace culture and employee rights.
In addition to the 2018 lawsuit, a lawsuit was filed in 2021 concerning Riot Games CEO Nicolas Laurent who was sued by his former executive assistant, Sharon O’Donnell, who claims to have suffered unwanted sexual harassment and misconduct. Although this crime is alleged, its similarities to the 2018 scandal and those with other video game and tech companies paint a larger picture in the world of gender discrimination in this industry. Other companies such as Activision Blizzard are also battling similar cases, leading many activists to take to the courts in order to right the wrongdoings of their employers.
The Law Firm Spearheading The Fight Against Workplace Gender Discrimination In Southern California
JML Law, A Professional Law Corporation is one of those firms fighting for victims of employment discrimination. Our Los Angeles gender discrimination attorneys have seen cases such as the one across California for years. In any case, involving issues related to employment and discrimination, it is highly recommended that you reach out to an attorney. Call us or click here for a free consultation at 818-610-8800 today.
