Rocksteady explains the actions they took to tackle the sexual harassment cases that occurred in the company, and also the new actions they will take from now on, including hiring outside specialists so that employees can speak confidentially.
Finally, Rocksteady pronounces on the scandal of sexual harassment against the women in his study, and the inaction before them. It all started when a former company employee explained anonymously in The Guardian that Rocksteady had not taken enough action in the face of the toxic environment that was breathed in the company by 2018, and the cases kept happening.
The original article was followed by a video in which said woman left anonymity to further explain the situation and denounce the inaction of the company… as Rocksteady published a letter, signed by current studio employees, defending the company and disengaging from these accusations, saying that it had taken enough measures.
Two days later, Rocksteady finally airs an official statement (Rocksteady’s earlier letter was, they explained, something spontaneous from the employees, and was not motivated or coerced in any way by company management.)
Here is our statement: pic.twitter.com/ssyzNWfyhB
— Rocksteady Studios (@RocksteadyGames) August 21, 2020
“In 2018, we received a letter from some of our female employees detailing the problems they had at Rocksteady back then. We take it as a call to action. (…) In response to the initial communication, we met with all of our female employees, listened to them, and discussed issues that arose. All formal complaints were carefully investigated and acted upon appropriately. A series of serious measures were carried out, including dismissals“.
“Since then, we have introduced new ways to ensure that we continue to perform well in our commitment to inclusion, such as asking all women for feedback on the appearance and representation of the characters we create.”
Finally, they explain that have hired the services of a specialist outside the company that may speak confidentially with all Rocksteady employees who wish to do so, to treat possible problems that have not been addressed through normal channels. Too contact all former employees who left in the last two years.
