Microsoft addresses allegations of verbal abuse and sexual harassment

Microsoft has acknowledged allegations of harassment within the company, stating that there will be “clear action taken” for any claim that can be verified.

Earlier in the week, a detailed report by Insider accused several executives within Microsoft of “verbal abuse and sexual harassment“. Now, Microsoft has shared a statement responding to the allegations:

“Every reported claim we receive is investigated, and for every claim found substantiated there is clear action taken. This disciplinary action can range from termination, to demotion, loss of pay or bonus, official reprimand, mandatory training, coaching, or combination of some of these.”

The statement confirms that Microsoft will investigate claims of misconduct levelled at, several former and current executives at the company, with HoloLens inventor Alex Kipman featuring heavily in the report. In once instance, Kipman allegedly watched VR porn on a headset that was mirrored on screens visible to other employees, making women in the room “very uncomfortable”.

Kipman was also accused of enabling “a culture that diminishes women’s contributions”, as well as making women “deeply uncomfortable” with physical contact.

Former Windows head Terry Myerson was allegedly responsible for a “meltdown” during a Microsoft event in which he publicly shouted at other employees. A third executive – Tom Keane – was also accused of publicly faulting employees, and at one point made an employee cry during a public meeting.

While Myerson reportedly departed after Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella took notice of his behaviour, Keane was merely re-assigned to work elsewhere within the company. Currently, Kipman also remains at Microsoft.

Over the last year, major companies in the gaming industry have reckoned with a culture of sexual harassment and misconduct. Activision Blizzard – which Microsoft is currently in the process of acquiring – is currently involved in several high-profile lawsuits alleging similar behaviour.

In other industry news, Xbox head Phil Spencer has shared that Microsoft will not oppose the union founded by Raven Software employees.