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Phil Spencer Dodges Question On Controversial Bobby Kotick Comments

gokurho

Member
Phil Spencer has no response to controversial comments made by Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, saying that he hasn't even read the interview they were shared in. This is despite Microsoft currently fighting to acquire Activision Blizzard, a company infamous for its abuse allegations, some of which revolve around Kotick himself.

This comes from an interview with a Bloomberg reporter just after the Xbox Games Showcase, with Spencer seemingly eager to distance himself from Kotick's numerous controversies. In Kotick's interview, the CEO said that Activision Blizzard has never had a systemic issue with harassment. This contradicts claims made by numerous employees, particularly women, who have shared accounts of a sexist and "frat boy" culture within the workplace.

"We’ve had every possible form of investigation done. And we did not have a systemic issue with harassment — ever," said Kotick, speaking with Variety a couple of weeks ago. Kotick went on to attack "mischaracterizations reported in the media", and the "aggressive labor movement".

Considering Xbox's comments on the matter have been much more diplomatic and PR-friendly, it's no wonder that Spencer was asked about this interview. However, when asked for comment by Bloomberg reporter Cecilia D'Anastasio, Spencer says he hasn't even read the article.

Some are finding this difficult to believe, considering it's an interview with the head of the very company Xbox wants to acquire. The gaming giant knew going into the deal that abuse and harassment claims wouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon, so it stands to reason that figures like Spencer will be questioned on these matters.

Yet it is noteworthy that Spencer isn't supporting Kotick's claims either. This might suggest that the two companies don't have a joint PR strategy when it comes to addressing these questions, or perhaps more concerningly, no joint plans in addressing the issues themselves. Xbox has at least previously promised to cooperate with unions and reflected on its own sexist history. Before the merger announcement, Spencer also said that abuse claims in the industry have left him "saddened and sickened", although he stopped short of calling Activision Blizzard out by name.

As for what happens with Kotick if the merger goes through, that remains to be seen. We've had conflicting reports on whether he'll leave or stick around. In any case, figures from across the industry have long called for his resignation, and with the number of negative headlines he's attracted over the years, many are expecting Microsoft to push him out.
Phil Spencer Dodges Question On Controversial Bobby Kotick Comments
Phil Spencer says he hasn't read the interview where Bobby Kotick denies abuse allegations within Activision Blizzard.
 

feynoob

Banned

phil-spencer.gif
 

Eotheod

Member
What did they expect him to say? "Oh shit yeah I saw that dickhead's interview and thinks he's a vile piece of shit! Also Acti please still let us buy you!" Fuck me, some of these journalists are fucking stupid.
 

BennyBlanco

aka IMurRIVAL69
What is he supposed to say? Lmao. If their acquisition goes through I’m sure phil will take a moment to tar and feather him in the media on his way out the door.
 

Varteras

Member
Pill Spencer is absolutely right in keeping his mouth shut on the matter. Microsoft has a contractual obligation to speak well of ABK and the deal publicly. If he goes out and blasts Kotick for anything right now, Microsoft will be in violation, ABK can then move to pull the plug now and collect $3 billion, being a slam dunk in court to prove Microsoft violated the contract, and then Phil is definitely out of a job. Instead of just it looking likely at the moment.
 
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