“Are you still in PJs?” – Ex-Bungie Director Sends Creepy Texts To Female Employees

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As a dedicated gamer, I’ve noticed that the gaming industry isn’t immune to its share of #MeToo incidents, where allegations of inappropriate behavior keep emerging. Recently, disturbing accusations have been made against Christopher Barrett, a veteran Bungie director who was let go in 2024. However, he refutes these claims and is currently challenging them in court. Sony’s involvement with its own statements has only intensified the controversy. As this case unfolds, it stirs up familiar discussions about power dynamics, responsibility, and the culture within the gaming industry.

Sony vs. Christopher Barrett

As Christopher Barrett, I’m standing up against my former employers at Bungie following my dismissal in 2024, over unsubstantiated claims of misconduct. The studio, now under Sony’s ownership, has accused me of sending inappropriate messages to female colleagues, but I vehemently deny these allegations and consider the investigation into them a farce. I believe that Sony used these accusations as a pretext for my termination, and I’m taking legal action to clear my name.

As suggested by Barrett, his termination appears to be a financially motivated decision. He was on track to receive over $40 million following Sony’s 2022 acquisition of Bungie, but he alleges that Sony deliberately manipulated circumstances to justify his dismissal in order to avoid paying him. However, Sony has since provided evidence, escalating the legal dispute. It’s an intriguing idea—could it be possible that Barrett behaved inappropriately towards his colleagues and Sony sought to avoid paying him his shares? These two scenarios are not mutually exclusive.

Sony Reveals Barrett’s Messages

In the ongoing dispute with Christopher Barrett, Sony has presented proof. This evidence includes text conversations alleged to have been sent by Barrett to female colleagues. One conversation showed him asking a coworker if she was still in her nightwear and inquiring about her attire, curious whether she wore a blouse, sweatpants, or Lululemon leggings. In another message, he referred to a woman as the “Holy Grail” and asserted that he wasn’t flirting—following up by stating that he would make advances if she weren’t in a relationship. Another employee claims Barrett frequently called her late at night while intoxicated, disregarding her pleas for him to stop. Sony contends that these messages demonstrate a consistent pattern of improper behavior, which warrants his dismissal from the company.

Contrarily, Barrett refutes every accusation made by Sony, labeling their statements as misleading. His legal representatives assert that the corporation is cherry-picking messages for their advantage while omitting crucial context. They claim that his termination was a calculated move to evade paying him substantial amounts following Sony’s acquisition of Bungie. Barrett remains adamant that once all facts are disclosed, it will be evident that he was unjustly dismissed. As the legal battle between both parties unfolds, the case stirs up broader discussions about power dynamics and accountability within the gaming sector.

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2025-02-20 19:41