Riot Games' productions, including the hit "League of Legends", have large numbers of fans in Ohio. However, the company is now facing a class action lawsuit accusing it of gender discrimination in the workplace. The lawsuit was filed by a current employee and a former employee and came after journalists highlighted issues with sexism inside the company. The two women say that they have been denied equal pay and access to promotions on the basis of their gender. They also cite sexual harassment, misconduct and a hostile working environment at the game manufacturer.
The complaint alleges violations of California laws against gender discrimination, including the Equal Pay Act. The women who filed the lawsuit are seeking compensation for lost wages and other damages, and they also want the court to certify the case as a class action for all female employees of the company. Earlier reports about the company mentioned 28 current and former workers, including one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. There are 2,500 employees at the company with a workforce that is 80 percent male.
Women have alleged that female job applicants were denied despite being highly qualified because they did not meet the company's stereotypical image of gamers. Women also said that employment decisions were often made on the basis of "culture fit", but this term was often used to justify promoting men, including those engaged in sexist or aggressive behavior. Women's complaints were allegedly frequently brushed aside or dismissed without any action being taken.
Women continue to face workplace discrimination, even at some of the country's most advanced tech firms. They face sexual harassment on the job, or they may lose out on career advancement due to companies favoring men. Those who have been the victim of such behavior might want to meet with legal counsel to discuss their situations.