Riot Games has found no evidence of misconduct by their CEO, Nicolo Laurent. The League of Legends and VALORANT publisher broke the silence yesterday, after a months-long investigation sought to find out the truth behind the allegations made by former employee Sharon O'Donnell.
The Special Committee of Riot Games, founded in 2018 to ensure the company would improve its work environment for marginalized groups, was put in charge of the investigation. According to the Committee, they hired an outside law firm, Seyfarth Law LLP, to independently investigate the claims made against Laurent. Following that investigation, the Special Committee recommended Riot Games' Board of Directors to not take any action against the CEO.
Despite the statement made by the Special Committee, a statement from Riot Games, and a published letter Laurent sent to all Riot Games employees at the end of the investigation, the community has responded critically. It has been pointed out that it's unlikely for the Special Committe to be impartial, given it was Riot-founded and has former Riot employees or others closely tied to the company on it.
O'Donnell's legal representation has stated they'll continue to press charges. However, Riot Games is taking legal actions against O'Donnell themselves: they claim she took part in witness tampering in the process of filing a lawsuit against Laurent.
More as the story develops.
Citing the most recent sexual harassment allegations against Riot Games' CEO, Alienware has terminated their sponsorship deal with Riot Games.
Images courtesy Riot Games.
