SONY Playstation has been accused of a sexist culture where men watch porn in the office and go to strip clubs at lunch.
Eight former and current employees of the tech giant have since supported a lawsuit that was filed last November.
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Former PlayStation IT security analyst Emma Majo accused the company of sexual discrimination – claims that Sony vehemently denies.
She joined the company in 2015 and claimed her department was 60:40 in favor of men.
But, she said there was a shift towards men and alleged that by 2021, the tech giant was dominated by men.
Majo alleged that there were managers who wouldn’t be in a room with her unless the door was open.
The former security analyst claimed that she had to go through an intern to reach bosses if she wanted a problem solving.
Legal papers allege she was not granted any promotion during her six years at the company despite asking for tips on how to achieve it.
The tech company requested Majo’s lawsuit to be dismissed, claiming a lack of evidence to support her allegations.
Sony’s lawyers said 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.”
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In response, Majo’s lawyer filed statements of support from seven ex Playstation workers and a current employee, Polygon reported.
The attorney also claimed that the women were “afraid” of the company retaliating against them.
A former Sony Interactive Director says she left the firm due to alleged systemic sexism against women.
She claimed that women were undervalued against men in sessions where bosses highlighted high performers.
In one session, she claimed that 70 workers were being reviewed and four were women.
‘MEN WATCHED PORN’
The now ex-worker alleged that male engineers went to strip clubs and shared porn, according to claims cited by Polygon.
She alleged that she stopped breastfeeding early “because it wasn’t sustainable”.
She claimed that an engineer asked her not to wear a skirt because it was distracting.
Another female said they worked with four other women during her five years working at Sony’s San Mateo and San Francisco offices.
The legal papers claim that all women left because of issues “relating to sexual discrimination, sexual harassment and not being able to earn a promotion”.
Others claimed that male workers made comments about not understanding technology.
‘NOT EQUIPPED’
One claimed: “I believe Sony is not equipped to appropriately handle toxic environments.”
Other allegations include claims that women were overlooked for senior roles and were subject to bullying.
Many allege that they left the company because of its workplace culture.
It comes after it was reported that Riot Games – who developed League of Legends – will pay $100million to settle a gender-discrimination lawsuit.
The original lawsuit was filed in 2018 by two ex-employees Melanie McCracken and Jes Negrón.
Riot was accused of fostering a “bro culture” and bosses said they must take responsibility for the past.
Around $80million will go to women who are working or previously worked for Riot since 2014.
More than 2,000 are eligible to receive a payment.
The gaming company said that $20million will be paid as attorney fees and “miscellaneous expenses”.
Riot also agreed to changes including a “gender equity analysis” and created a fund that will go towards adjusting pay and improving diversity.
Negrón said: “I hope this case serves as an example for other studios and an inspiration for women in the industry at large.
“Women in gaming do not have to suffer inequity and harassment in silence — change is possible.”
The Sun has approached Sony and Sony PlayStation for comment.
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