Ex-Ubisoft execs on trial in France for workplace harassment, including bizarre claims of farting at staff
Who are the accused?
Live Events
FAQs
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
Three ex-bosses from Ubisoft are on trial in France for bullying and sexual harassment. The French court heard shocking stories from former staff, mostly women, about the bad behavior of these top bosses. Some of the disturbing things they faced, being tied to chairs, forced to do handstands, sex jokes, drawings of private parts stuck on computers, porn videos played in the office, and a boss who farted in their faces, according to the report by The Guardian.One woman said a manager even drew a penis on her arm during a video call with top leaders. The prosecutor Antoine Haushalter said this trial is a big moment for the video game world, and the #MeToo movement helped people finally speak up. He said there was a lot of strong proof that the bosses were mean and treated workers badly.French video game major Ubisoft, the force behind addictive games like Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Just Dance, was allegedly witnessing these incidents during the decade of 2010s at their HQs in Paris, with ex- employees labelling it a 'boys club'.Tommy Francois, 52, Former VP of Editorial & Creative Services is accused of sexual harassment, bullying, and attempted sexual assault. He once pushed a female employee into a lift after tying her to a chair before pushing the buttons of the lift to send her to a random floor. He made a woman in a skirt do handstands. She said she was scared and just wanted him to leave, as per the report by The Guardian.At a 2015 office party, he tried to kiss a woman while two others held her back. She shouted and escaped. Another woman leveled allegations of hair grabbing before a forced kiss at a gaming event in the US against Francois. HR told her not to make a big deal. She also said he showed her nude pics of himself, and once drew on her arm during a video call. Francois denied all the charges, as per reports.Serge Hascoet, 59, Former Chief Creative Officer was accused of bullying and sexual harassment. On a work trip, he said a woman needed sex and joked about doing it in front of everyone. A report by The Guardian claimed that while giving a used tissue to a young woman, he claimed that 'It's worth gold at Ubisoft'.He made weird sex sounds, joked about sex, and made assistants run personal errands like waiting for parcels at his house. Hascoet also denied all the charges and said he never meant to harass anyone.Guillaume Patrux, 41, Former Game Director was accused of sexual harassment and bullying. He punched walls, pretended to hit people, cracked a whip near faces, joked about an office shooting, and even burned someone's beard with a lighter. He also denied all the charges, as per the report by The Guardian.The judges have now finished listening to everyone and will give their final decision later. This is the first major trial in the gaming industry after #MeToo. The prosecutor said sexism and abuse were hidden in this world, but now people are brave enough to speak up, as per reports.They are accused of bullying, sexual harassment, and bad behavior at work.It is the first big #MeToo case in the gaming industry and shows people are speaking up now.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Corpus Christi celebrates Juneteenth with music, community and cultural pride at Water's Edge Park
Corpus Christi's bayfront came alive with culture and celebration as the city hosted the Coastal Bend Juneteenth Festival at Water's Edge Park from June 20 to 22, according to Caller Times. The three-day community event brought together locals to commemorate Juneteenth through a mix of live music, vendor booths, local cuisine, and health screenings. The festival continues through Sunday, June 22, from 4 to 8 pm, offering more chances for residents to join the festivities. Corpus Christi marked the Coastal Bend Juneteenth Festival Weekend from June 20 to 22.(UnSplash) On Saturday, June 21, Shannon Solis, assistant professor at Prairie View A&M University, read aloud the official proclamation on behalf of Mayor Paulette Guajardo. The declaration formally named June 20 to 22 as 'Coastal Bend Juneteenth Festival Weekend,' highlighting the significance of the occasion for the region. From the early afternoon, the park buzzed with energy as community members began arriving to set up for the day's programming. Volunteers and organizers worked together to prepare the space, distributing festival T-shirts and welcoming guests. Melody Nixon-Bice, representing the Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education, handed out shirts and connected with attendees as the event built momentum. Music played a central role throughout the day, with the Bayou City Brass Band bringing a lively soundtrack to the celebration. With their trumpets and French horns, the musicians attracted a crowd by the water, where guests danced, took photos, and recorded the performances. Also read: Windrush Day 2025: Buckingham Palace unveils Royal portraits honoring Caribbean men, women and children Final day scheduled for Sunday evening The Juneteenth Festival concludes Sunday with another round of activities between 4 and 8 pm. The final day is expected to feature more performances, food trucks, community outreach booths, and on-site services. Madeline 'Maddie' Chapman and Naomi Turner were seen arriving on Saturday, walking through the park as the crowd grew. Later, Faryce Goode-Macon and Rodney Williams posed for photographs, joining other attendees in marking the occasion. The event offered a family-friendly space to reflect on Juneteenth's importance while embracing the joy and togetherness it symbolizes for the Corpus Christi community. FAQs When was the Corpus Christi Juneteenth Festival held? The event took place from June 20 to 22, 2025. Who issued the official proclamation? Mayor Paulette Guajardo issued the proclamation. What events were featured at the festival? Live music, vendor booths, health screenings, and food trucks were part of the Corpus Christi Juneteenth Festival. Who performed live at the event? The Bayou City Brass Band was among the musical performers.
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Johnny Depp reflects on raising Lily-Rose and Jack with Vanessa Paradis in France: ‘I was papa'
Johnny Depp has shared a rare glimpse into his private life, recalling how he raised his children with former partner Vanessa Paradis in the south of France. In a recent conversation with The Sunday Times, Depp reflected on that chapter of his life, calling it the only time he truly felt at home. The Pirates of the Caribbean actor, now 62, appeared emotional while speaking about his children, Lily-Rose Depp and Jack Depp. Behind him during the interview was a painting of his daughter, Lily-Rose, which he had started when she was just 10. Johnny Depp opened up about raising children Lily-Rose and Jack in France.(AP) 'I never finished it. She was 10 then, and 25 now,' Depp said. 'Years get away from us, don't they?' He went on to admit, 'I'm of the empty-nest syndrome.' The actor and French singer Paradis were together for 14 years before parting ways in 2012. During that time, they chose to raise their children away from the spotlight, living on an estate near St. Tropez, which Depp purchased in 2001. Later, the family relocated to Los Angeles. Reflecting on those early days, Depp said, 'Oh man, my kids growing up in the south of France in their youth?' He spoke warmly about fatherhood: 'I was Papa. I cannot tell you how much I loved being Papa.' Then, with a hint of humor, he added, 'Then, suddenly, Papa was out the window. I was Dad. But Papa was awesome, and I'm getting old enough for Papa to possibly come back. Some motherf-----'s going to have to call me Papa!' 'That was home' for Depp Asked where he considers 'home' now, Depp said he doesn't spend much time in the US anymore, instead dividing his time between the UK and the Bahamas. Still, he called the family's time in France his true sense of belonging. 'Truly, the first time I felt I had a home was the place in the south of France where Vanessa and I raised the kiddies. That's the only place that ever felt like home,' Depp explained. Paradis once said she chose France as their home base. 'Only in the south of France can you live much more anonymously. And that's bliss, especially when the children are still young,' she told Weekend Knack in 2007. ALSO READ: Johnny Depp becomes Jack Sparrow again in surprise visit to kids' hospital in Spain; internet melts: 'Real life hero' FAQs Who are Johnny Depp's children? Lily-Rose Depp, born in 1999, and Jack Depp, born in 2002, are his children with Vanessa Paradis. Where did Johnny Depp raise his kids? Primarily in the south of France, before later moving to Los Angeles. What happened to Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis? They ended their relationship in 2012 after 14 years together, but have continued to co-parent their children. How long were Vanessa and Johnny Depp together? They were together for 14 years, from 1998 to 2012.
India.com
6 hours ago
- India.com
Meet England star Ollie Pope's beautiful girlfriend, her name is..., she works as...
In this collection of pictures we shall know about England star Ollie Pope's girlfriend. We shall know about her profession their dating life and her educational qualification. Let's dive in. Ollie Pope scored an important hundred at Headingley to help save the match against India. But away from the spotlight, his girlfriend, Ella Gurdon, has been a steady source of support. Ella Gurdon, who comes from London, is not only Ollie Pope's girlfriend but also a skilled interior designer who loves style and creative work. Ella studied French and international media for her bachelor's degree at the University of Nottingham, and later got a diploma in home interior design from KLC School of Design. Ella worked as an intern at the creative company Joint in 2017 and now holds the role of Senior Account Manager. Her design skills add to her professional and confident personality. Ollie and Ella are said to have started seeing each other a few years back, choosing to keep things private. Their connection became deeper over time, away from the spotlight. They both like to keep their lives personal. Ella's social media accounts are not open to the public, and the two hardly share anything online, choosing to enjoy their time together without showing it to everyone. It's said that they've spent time with each other's families, showing that their relationship is serious and not just casual.
