Riot Games settles lawsuit for sexual harassment, discrimination

Sep 1, 2019

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The class-action lawsuit filed against Riot Games for alleged sexual harassment and discrimination has come to a close.

The plaintiffs, Jessica Negron and Melanie McCracken, sued their former employer on grounds of discrimination, harassment, and violation of the California Equal Pay Act. The lawsuit began following a Kotaku report that exposed sexist work conditions at Riot Games. The parties have reached a settlement nearly a full year after the case began.

The terms of the settlement have not been revealed.

Riot Games issued a press release celebrating the conclusion of the lawsuit and discussed the future of the company.

“Both sides believe that this proposed settlement, once finalized, is fair for all parties involved,” Riot said. “In addition, we’re hopeful that the settlement will allow us to continue our momentum in making Riot a leader in inclusive workplaces.”

This likely closes the door on what has been a turbulent year for Riot Games.

Once news of the lawsuit reached the public, a number of previous employees at Riot came forward with their own stories of discrimination and harrassment at the company. Additionally, over 100 employees participated in a walkout at the business’ Santa Monica headquarters after Riot attempted to force the class-action lawsuit’s plaintiffs into arbitration.

Riot hired Angela Roseboro as the company’s first chief diversity officer in order to carry out the business’ diversity, inclusion, and culture initiatives. The company has also promised to work towards adding more women in leadership roles and closing wage gaps.

Negron and McCracken’s attorney, Ryan Saba, stated that none of these changes would have come to pass if weren’t for the voices of these discriminated workers.

“This is a clear indication that Riot is dedicated to making progress in evolving its culture and employment practices…The many Riot employees who spoke up, including the plaintiffs, significantly helped to change the culture at Riot,” Saba told the LA Times.