Ubisoft Faces Trial Over Workplace Harassment allegations

Ubisoft, a major player in the video game industry, is facing a trial over allegations of widespread harassment, discrimination, and misconduct within it’s French studios.the charges include sexual harassment, moral harassment, and even attempted sexual assault, painting a disturbing picture of the company’s work surroundings.

Insults, Humiliations, and Hazing

Tommy François, who was vice-president of the editorial service at Ubisoft, is accused of creating a toxic environment. From age 38 to 46, during the prevention period retained by the justice system, François allegedly engaged in deeply inappropriate behavior, including broadcasting pornographic films in open workspaces and publicly commenting on employees’ appearances.

According to the article, public humiliations were commonplace. François could “have fun tie an employee with a chair as to smear her felt face.” These acts, resembling hazing, created a hostile atmosphere for many Ubisoft employees.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, François is also prosecuted for attempted sexual assault. During a Christmas party, he allegedly tried to force himself on a young employee, only to be stopped by colleagues. An examination report consulted by AFP states that Tommy François encouraged “his subordinates to act likewise, using in particular to his aura and his hierarchical position raised within the company.”

Libidinous Behavior and racist Acts

Serge Hascouët, another defendant in the trial, faces accusations of libidinous behavior and intrusive, sexually charged questions. Beyond this, Hascouët is also accused of racist acts. The article details how, after the 2015 attacks, he allegedly asked a Muslim employee if she adhered to the ideas of the Islamic State group. Furthermore, this employee purportedly found images of bacon sandwiches as the background on her computer, and food was “deposited on her desktop during the month of Ramadan.”

Fear of Retaliation

The third defendant, Guillaume Patrux, 39, a former “Game Director,” is being prosecuted for moral harassment. The investigation involved dozens of witnesses. However, “a large number renounced to file a complaint for fear of the reactions of the video game environment,” according to the report consulted by AFP.This suggests a deeply ingrained culture of fear within the company, where employees were afraid to speak out against misconduct due to potential repercussions for their careers.

This trial highlights not only the severity of the allegations against these three individuals, but also the broader issue of workplace culture within Ubisoft and the video game industry as a whole. The outcome of the trial could have notable implications for the company, potentially leading to further investigations and reforms to prevent future incidents of harassment and discrimination.

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France: Ubisoft Executives Face Trial for Harassment Allegations

Three former high-ranking executives from Ubisoft are facing trial this week in Bobigny, France, on charges of systemic moral and sexual harassment. The alleged incidents span a decade, prompting significant scrutiny of the gaming giant’s workplace culture.

Key Figures in the Case

Among those on trial are Serge hascoët and Tommy François, both former key figures within Ubisoft. The charges against them include creating and perpetuating a toxic work environment that allegedly fostered harassment and abuse.

Details of the Allegations

The allegations include instances of a manager allegedly “diffusait du porno dans l’open-space,” creating a hostile environment for employees. These actions are part of a broader pattern of behavior that prosecutors argue constitutes systemic harassment.

Legal Proceedings

The trial is expected to shed light on the extent of the alleged misconduct and the measures, or lack thereof, taken by Ubisoft to address these issues. The outcome could have significant implications for corporate responsibility and workplace culture within the gaming industry and beyond.

Implications for Ubisoft and the Industry

This trial puts Ubisoft under a microscope, potentially impacting its reputation and future business operations. The outcome may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the industry, emphasizing the need for robust policies and swift action against harassment.

Trial Timeline

The trial commenced this week and is expected to last several days as the court hears testimonies and reviews evidence related to the alleged harassment. The public and the gaming industry are closely watching the proceedings for any new information.

Ubisoft Executives Face Trial Over Workplace Misconduct Allegations

Three former senior executives from ubisoft, the French video game giant, are currently on trial in Bobigny, near Paris, facing accusations of systemic harassment, both moral and sexual, against their employees. The alleged misconduct spanned nearly a decade, culminating in a public outcry fueled by anonymous testimonies shared on social media platforms and subsequent media investigations in July 2020.

The scandal prompted the resignation of Serge Hascoët, the company’s chief creative officer and second-in-command. Thomas François and Guillaume Patrux were dismissed for severe misconduct. Thomas François, known as “Tommy,” is at the center of the allegations, accused of fostering an environment of inappropriate behavior at Ubisoft’s Montreuil offices.

Insults, Humiliations, and Hazing

thomas François, who served as vice president of the editorial service at Ubisoft during the period under investigation, allegedly engaged in a pattern of abusive behavior. According to court documents, François, then between 38 and 46 years old, routinely showed pornographic films in the open-plan office and made demeaning comments about female employees’ appearances. The environment included public humiliation and hazing-like activities, such as tying an employee to a chair or drawing on their face with markers.

Along with the harassment claims, François is accused of attempted sexual assault. During a Christmas party, he allegedly tried to forcibly kiss a young employee, who was restrained by other colleagues. An investigative report cited by AFP claims that Tommy François encouraged “his subordinates to act likewise, using his aura and his high hierarchical position within the company.”

Libidinous Behavior and Racist Acts

Serge Hascoët is accused of libidinous behavior and intrusive sexual questions,and also racist comments and actions. Following the 2015 terrorist attacks, he allegedly asked a Muslim employee if she supported the ideas of the Islamic State group. This assistant also reported finding images of bacon sandwiches as her computer’s background and food placed on her desk during Ramadan.

Guillaume patrux, the former “game director,” faces charges of moral harassment. While dozens of witnesses were interviewed during the investigation, a substantial number “renonçait à déposer plainte par crainte des réactions du milieu du jeu vidéo” (“reluctantly declined to file a complaint for fear of reactions from the video game industry”), according to the investigative report obtained by AFP.

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What steps can companies take to address the “crunch” culture prevalent in the gaming industry?