Alienware terminates partnership with Riot Games over sexual harassment allegations

[midian182]

What just happened? Alienware has reportedly terminated its partnership with Riot Games nearly one year early due to the sexual harassment allegations made against Riot CEO Nicolo Laurent. The hardware maker reportedly voiced concerns over the developer's public image, which has been in the spotlight since a controversial exposé in 2018.

Dot Esports reports that Alienware, one of the biggest advertisers for League of Legends, is terminating a partnership with Riot that was due to expire in January 2022.

Riot confirmed it had removed Alienware branding from all League of Legends broadcasts, though it never revealed why.

"Alienware has been a valuable partner to Riot since January 2019," Riot Games told Dot Esports in a statement. "We can't comment on our agreement with them at this time due to confidentiality obligations. As we continue discussions with them, we have removed their branding from our broadcasts."

A 2018 Kotaku investigation first uncovered rampant sexism at Riot Games, where there was a "bro" office culture that often encouraged harassment. Two women who had worked at the studio sued the company, alleging that they had to endure sexual harassment and gender discrimination. The suit also described how women were paid less than men in the same or similar positions, and how the workplace turned a blind eye to "crotch-grabbing," "phantom humping," and "hot girl" lists.

Riot agreed to pay $10 million to settle the suit in 2019, but the plaintiffs withdrew from the settlement proposal after the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing filed an objection, saying the amount was lacking—it wants Riot to pay over $400 million—and made "no enforceable changes to employment policies."

In January 2021, former executive assistant Sharon O'Donnell launched a separate civil lawsuit against Riot CEO Laurent, alleging, among other things, that he fired her when she declined his advances. Riot claims several employees complained about O'Donnell during her time at the company and it opened an independent investigation into her behavior.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/88938-alienware-terminates-partnership-riot-following-sexual-harassment-allegations.html

 

[SirDigby]

Could've come sooner, but nice on Alienware.

 

[VitalyT]

And I thought that aliens were the harassing type.

 

[stewi0001]

And I thought that aliens were the harassing type.

Na, aliens are more about probing than harassing ;P

 

[stewi0001]

I don't tolerate sexual harassment either but I will say this:

 

[Neatfeatguy]

I don't tolerate sexual harassment either but I will say this:
View attachment 87592

It's only ball adjustment until you leave your hands on your crotch or in your pocket for too long....

 

[QuantumPhysics]

I was born in 81'

I never could have possibly imagined how toxic the environment of American politics and relationships would be now in 2021.

 

[auser2070]

Another Reason not to buy Alienware.

 

[Shadowboxer]

I don’t condone things like sacking someone who declines sexual advances, crotch grabbing, unequal pay etc. But what’s wrong with a hot girl list?

If “hot girl” lists should be banned then there is an argument to be made to ban make up. I don’t think make up should be banned but I cant think of any logical reason as to why women should wear it in the office if you’re not allowed to look at or comment on a woman’s appearance. Oh and the dress code should be enforced for women too. In every office I’ve been in I’ve had to adhere to strict, shirt, trousers, shoes dress code at a minimum but most of the women go around in crop tops, hot pants and sandals. The office I work in gets stifling and I’d love to wear a pair of hot pants and crocs on the hot days!

 

[Bobbydpue]

I'd like to point out it takes zero evidence to allege something. And people are supposed to be treated as innocent until they are proven to be guilding, but isn't this treating someone as guilty the moment news about an allegation is made public?

 

[Neatfeatguy]

Another Reason not to buy Alienware.

I thought the main reason was the name was acquired by Dell.....then again, maybe I'm just a little biased towards Dell.

 

[terzaerian]

I'd like to point out it takes zero evidence to allege something. And people are supposed to be treated as innocent until they are proven to be guilding, but isn't this treating someone as guilty the moment news about an allegation is made public?

Because the rule of law is dead. Enjoy hell world.

 

[texasrattler]

I'd like to point out it takes zero evidence to allege something. And people are supposed to be treated as innocent until they are proven to be guilding, but isn't this treating someone as guilty the moment news about an allegation is made public?

The courts say that but the public just judge you no matter what.

 

[Bobbydpue]

The courts say that but the public just judge you no matter what.

It should be illegal to release the names of the accused.

 

[Arbie]

Because the rule of law is dead. Enjoy hell world.

I don't agree. As just one example here's a great list showing our laws in action, now. Stay tuned for more.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/capitol-breach-cases

 

[FanboysGetPwned]

Booooo. The gender gap has long been debunked. You get paid less if you work less to raise a family. There is no shame in that.

 

[FanboysGetPwned]

We give women rights and this is how we get repaid. If I so much as sniffle in the direction of a woman it qualifies as a "sexual advance."