Activision has opted to sever ties with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare voice actor Jeff Leach following the release of a video montage compiling incidents of the actor's sexist comments across Twitch and recorded broadcasts.The video was published to Twitter by user and YouTube streamer NitroLukeDX in a response to a 2017 video by streamer Zombi Unicorn which called for the de-platforming of the actor as a result of the continued harassment of female gamers and streamers. The montage demonstrates Leach using sexually charged language and making degrading comments towards women he's playing with or against.

Leach played the character Simon "Ghost" Riley in the 2019 version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare as well as Call of Duty: Mobile. At the time of the video's release, Leach had partnerships with both Facebook Gaming and Activision. The actor and standup comedian was removed from Twitch following the 2017 video by Zombi Unicorn.

Following the footage of Leach's comments towards others, the video redirects to an interview with five women discussing the actor and his actions. "So as girl gamers, what do we do as a collective to change the way certain males view women?" asks a streamer in the video, which is answered with "we speak out," by one woman, and "we take a stand," by another. While the original video calling for the de-platforming of Leach resulted in his removal from Twitter, it took until the release of this montage for the actor to have his partnership with Activision revoked.

A statement from Activision stated that the company had severed all working relationships with Leach and stood against his actions and words. "Sexism has no place in our industry, our games or in society," Activision said. "We strongly condemn these remarks. We are committed to delivering a fun and safe experience for all players." Facebook Gaming has yet to comment on the situation.

Leach himself commented on the video, calling it "targeted character assassination," suggesting that making derogatory comments towards trolls is a common, industry-wide practice. A recent post from Leach states that he will be "sharing his response to this situation very soon," suggesting that "relevant information [is being] put together," though what Leach specifically means by these statements is not yet clear.

Source: Eurogamer