Update:
Naughty Dog has posted the following statement on their blog:
We have recently read on social media that an ex-employee of Naughty Dog, Dave Ballard, claims he was sexually harassed when he worked at Naughty Dog. We have not found any evidence of having received allegations from Mr. Ballard that he was harassed in any way at Naughty Dog or Sony Interactive Entertainment. Harassment and inappropriate conduct have no place at Naughty Dog and Sony Interactive Entertainment. We have taken and always will take reports of sexual harassment and other workplace grievances very seriously. We value every single person who works at Naughty Dog and Sony interactive Entertainment. It is of utmost importance to us that we maintain a safe, productive workplace environment that allows us all to channel our shared passion for making games.
Original story:
Inspired by those in the film and TV industry speaking out against sexual harassment, former Naughty Dog developer David Ballard tweeted a series of comments describing the sexual harassment he had experienced.
Ballard claims that, in late 2015, a lead developer sexually harassed him. This abuse lead to Ballard contacting Sony PlayStation HR, who wouldn’t listen to him. Ballard was fired soon after.
In an attempt to silence Ballard, Sony offered $20,000 “if [he] signed a letter agreeing to the termination, as well as to not discuss it with anyone.” Ballard didn’t sign, but has kept the information to himself for the last 17 months.
Here’s David Ballard’s (@DBal) full account of what happened:
In late 2015, I was sexually harassed at Naughty Dog by a lead. My work environment became extremely toxic afterward. In February 2016 I had a mental breakdown at work & Sony Playstation HR became involved. When I told them about the harassment they ended the call and fired me the next day. They cited the company was moving in a different direction and my job was no longer needed. They tried to silence me by offering $20,000 if I signed a letter agreeing to the termination as well as to not discuss it with anyone. I declined to sign.
I have been unemployed for 17 months since. When interviewers ask why I left Naughty Dog, I say I was burned out by the crunch, ashamed to get to the root of the problem of being sexually harassed.
I’m speaking out now because of the strength I’ve seen in others coming forward about their experiences in the TV/Film industry. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I will not let anyone kill my drive or love for the video game industry, my passions or life.
Neither Sony nor Naughty Dog have made any comments about Ballard’s claims. I’ll keep this post updated as we learn more.
