J. Allen Brack, President of Blizzard Entertainment, addressed the recent reports of ongoing sexual harassment and workplace inequality at the company.In an internal email obtained by Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, Brack describes the allegations as "extremely troubling," going on to state that management is in the process of meeting with the affected parties. This follows a lawsuit filed by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, claiming that female employees at Blizzard Entertainment are subjected to a "frat boy" work culture.

"I personally have a lot of emotions coming out of yesterday, and I know you do, too. The allegations and the hurt of current and former employees are extremely troubling," reads Brack's email. "I know many of you would like to receive more clarity. While I can't comment on the specifics of the case as it's an open investigation, what I can say is that the behavior detailed in the allegations is completely unacceptable."

Brack continues on to say, "Growing up, the value of women as equals, understanding the work that had been done for equal treatment, and the fact that there was still much to do, were common themes." Brack elaborates by stating, "I disdain 'bro culture,' and have spent my career fighting against it."

The lawsuit filed by the DFEH lists several cases of discrimination and sexual harassment against female employees, the severity of one such incident resulting in one employee taking her own life. The lawsuit states that women are often paid less than male employees of the same position, consistently made to work harder and longer for promotions are often offered less lucrative job assignments.

The lawsuit states, "Numerous complaints about unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation were made to Defendants' human resources personnel and executives, including to Blizzard Entertainment's President J. Allen Brack. But Defendants failed to take effective remedial measures in response to these complaints."

Schreier later shared an internal email sent out by Activision Blizzard executive Fran Townsend, who joined the company in March. "I know this has been difficult for many of us," reads the email. "A recently filed lawsuit presented a distorted and untrue picture of our company, including factually incorrect, old, and out of context stories - som from more than a decade ago." According to Schreier, the email has "some Blizzard employees fuming."

"We work at a company that truly values equality and fairness," continues Townsend. "Rest assured that leadership is committed to continuing to maintain a safe, fair, and inclusive workplace. We cannot let egregious actions of others, and a truly meritless and irresponsible lawsuit, damage our culture of respect and equal opportunity for all employees."

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing is currently seeking an injunction that would see Activision Blizzard comply with established workplace protections and deliver on pay adjustments, back pay, lost benefits and unpaid wages.

Source: Twitter