Blizzard President J. Allen Brack Steps Down Amidst Workplace Harassment Controversy

The fallout from last week's shocking workplace sexual harassment lawsuit at Activision-Blizzard continued this morning with the resignation of Blizzard president J. Allen Brack. A statement by the company announced that Brack would be stepping down, effective immediately, and Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra would take over in his place.

After the announcement and some background on Oneal and Ybarra, the statement reads:

Both leaders are deeply committed to all of our employees; to the work ahead to ensure Blizzard is the safest, most welcoming workplace possible for women, and people of any gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or background; to upholding and reinforcing our values; and to rebuilding your trust. With their many years of industry experience and deep commitment to integrity and inclusivity, Jen and Mike will lead Blizzard with care, compassion, and a dedication to excellence. You’ll hear more from Jen and Mike soon.

The statement also has a quote from Brack, which reads:

“I am confident that Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra will provide the leadership Blizzard needs to realize its full potential and will accelerate the pace of change. I anticipate they will do so with passion and enthusiasm and that they can be trusted to lead with the highest levels of integrity and commitment to the components of our culture that make Blizzard so special.”

Brack had been under fire for the past week as details of the lawsuit became public knowledge. After the news began going public, Brack emailed the company saying he was shocked by the behavior described in the lawsuit and iterated that the behavior was "completely unacceptable." This did little to quell the tensions, as later that week, damaging information came out about Brack's knowledge of the sexual harassment perpetrated by Alex Asfraibi, former Senior Creator Director at World of Warcraft. Brack is specifically named in the lawsuit for not taking action to stop Asfraibi, who would kiss, grope, and harass employees, earning his suite at Blizzcon the nickname The Cosby Suite.

Blizzard president J. Allen Brack sent out an email to staff last night addressing the allegations from this week's explosive lawsuit, calling them "extremely troubling" and saying that he'd be "meeting with many of you to answer questions and discuss how we can move forward." pic.twitter.com/NsMV6CNdTE

— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier) July 23, 2021

Sorry for posting negativity on the timeline, I told myself I was gonna stop doing that, but this is disgusting. The President of Blizzard entertainment knew full well the actions of senior creative director Alex Afrasiabi.. pic.twitter.com/uJrUWgThYw

— Repzilla (@zillarage) July 23, 2021

Of note, neither Blizzard nor Brack's statement specifically discusses the allegations, which rubbed followers of the story poorly. Furthermore, the announcement came just before Blizzard's quarterly earnings call today, which many feel contributed to the timing of the resignation.

Worth noting: neither the company's nor Brack's statement written by PR acknowledges the allegations against Activision Blizzard, his role in them, or demands made by employees for safer and more equitable working conditions. https://t.co/DZQpzWMmSx

— AmericanTruckSongs8 (@ethangach) August 3, 2021

Blizzard's note about president J Allen Brack's departure doesn't mention the misconduct scandals or company failures, but does say new leaders want to "ensure Blizzard is the safest, most welcoming workplace" and focused on "rebuilding your trust" https://t.co/Yjy3tRg2cF

— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) August 3, 2021

“To pursue new opportunities” is J Allen Brack for “To pursue new young women I can take take advantage of” https://t.co/kQ95kgHCFz

— Brandon Gilligan 🏝 (@flusteredtomcat) August 3, 2021

BREAKING: Blizzard President J. Allen Brack is stepping down, and will be replaced by Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra as the new "co-leaders of Blizzard".

Coincidentally, Activision/Blizzard’s company's earnings and analyst call will take place this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/nbeqECGcRs

— Wicked Good Gaming (@WickedGoodGames) August 3, 2021