Five ex-Ubisoft executives have been apprehended following a wide-ranging inquiry into systemic sexual violence. The arrests include Serge Hascoët, former chief creative officer, and Tommy François, former vice president of editorial and creative services. Three were detained on October 3, while two were taken into custody on October 4.
According to French newspaper Libération, Maude Beckers, the lawyer representing the plaintiffs, described the investigation as unprecedented in its scope, revealing a company that had transformed into a playground with a schoolboyish atmosphere. Beckers also accused the human resources department of being complicit, alleging that they systematically covered up the misconduct. The investigation is being conducted by the public prosecutor’s office in Bobigny, a district in Paris.
In July 2021, Ubisoft employees penned an open letter expressing solidarity with Activision Blizzard workers and demanding that their own senior leadership take allegations of sexual harassment more seriously. They criticized the company for only addressing the most publicized cases and allowing others to resign or be promoted without facing consequences.
In 2022, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot claimed that the company had resolved its issues and aimed to regain its position as the best place to work.
These arrests come years after the gaming industry’s Me Too movement, which led to investigations and settlements in various studios over their treatment of individuals.
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Source: DOTESPORTS
