Sony has finally responded to a lawsuit filed by former Bungie staffer Christopher Barrett.
Barrett initially left Bungie in March 2024 but it was later revealed that this was due to allegations of improper behaviour towards female subordinates at the studio. He has since filed a lawsuit claiming wrongful dismissal looking for damages of $200 million as his departure denied him $45 million that he was set to receive as part of Sony’s purchase of Bungie back in 2022.
Sony’s filing reiterates that Barrett was let go due to him allegedly targetting “a lower-level, female employee he wasn’t working with directly, initially engaged in friendly conversation, and progressively pushed boundaries with the employee by making subtle references to her physical appearance or expressing his interest in her romantically. Barrett attempted to create an unprofessional level of intimacy with his victims.”
Sony’s filing also features segments from texts and direct messages sent by Barrett to his alleged victims.
“Sony continues to disingenuously cherry pick text messages and alleged conversations and make unsupported and conclusory statements to defame Christopher and justify terminating him to avoid paying him what he was owed under his employment agreements,” Barrett’s lawyers told Game File in response Sony’s legal filing.
“It is telling that Sony does not include the full text messages as exhibits, or the full content of these conversations, and nothing in Sony’s response provides a legitimate legal or factual basis to terminate Christopher for cause.
“Christopher is confident that when all the evidence is presented, it will be clear that Sony engaged in a scheme to strip him of his role and the equity awards he earned for his 25 years of loyal service to the company.”
