8 More Women Add To PlayStation Gender Discrimination Lawsuit

The lawsuit against PlayStation over gender discrimination and harassment has grown as eight more women have shared their experiences. 

As reported by Axios, eight more women who are former and current employees at PlayStation have added their experiences of gender discrimination and harassment to a growing class-action lawsuit against the company.

The lawsuit was first reported in November last year. It was filed by former IT security analyst Emma Majo. And it alleges a “work environment that discriminates against female employees, including female employees and those who identify as female.

Credit: Sony

what were the statements?

New statements come from employees like Marie Harrington, a veteran of Sony Online Entertainment and Sony PlayStation for more than 16 years. Harrington reportedly cited a lack of women considered for senior roles during “calibration sessions.” Apparently in one session, only four women were considered for promotions, against nearly 70 men. 

Former program manager Kara Johnson wrote “I believe Sony is not equipped to appropriately handle toxic environments,” in her statement. Johnson also noted she was aware of 10 women that left her office in California in the four months leading up to her departure. And she also apparently attempted to notify superiors about gender bias on multiple occasions. As well as alleging discrimination against pregnant women.

Last month Sony denied the claims made in the lawsuit, asking the court to dismiss it. According to Sony’s lawyers, Majo “fails to identify a single policy, practice or procedure at [PlayStation] that allegedly formed the basis of any widespread intentional discrimination or had a discriminatory impact on women.

It was after Sony’s response last month that the statements from the eight women were filed.

The report on the lawsuit against PlayStation initially came days after the company’s boss Jim Ryan condemned the alleged sexual harassment issues at Activision Blizzard. The lawsuit against PlayStation is still ongoing, so it remains to be seen what the result will be. 

Featured Image Credit: Sony