Riot Games discrimination case ordered into settlement talks

A Los Angeles County judge on Friday ordered a workplace discrimination class action against Riot Games into mandatory settlement talks, dealing a blow to the state civil rights agency, which tried for weeks to stop negotiations.

Judge Elihu M. Berle's short order that the case be sent to Judge Daniel Buckley for a settlement conference came a day after a contentious hearing in which a lawyer for the Department of Fair Employment and Housing told Berle she feared lawyers for several women plaintiffs were colluding with Riot Games, which drew a sharp denial from class counsel. The department's lawyer, Melanie L. Proctor, said she feared the settlement would enable Riot Games to keep secret documents that would show a pattern of discrimination at the company.

The employment department and the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement intervened as plaintiffs in the case against Riot Games in 2019. The agency launched an investigation of allegations that the gaming giant facilitated a culture of harassment and discrimination against female employees. The agencies intervened after the class had reached a preliminary $10 million settlement with Riot Games. McCracken et al. v. Riot Games, 18STCV03957 (L.A. Super. Ct., filed Nov. 6, 2018).

"Common sense, decency and professionalism still matter," class counsel Genie Harrison of Genie Harrison Law Firm said after Berle issued his order. "We look forward to complying with the court's order and to achieving justice for the women of Riot Games."

"Riot is pleased with this development as our position has always been we're willing to engage in good faith discussions with interested parties," said Cathy A. Conway, a partner at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher who represents Riot Games.

Representatives for the employment department could not be reached for comment. Proctor indicated at Thursday's hearing that the agency would not participate in any settlement conference but reserved the right to object if a deal was reached.

-- Gina Kim