TL;DR
- Former EDG employee alleges year-long sexual harassment by team photographer
- Organization accused of offering hush money and creating hostile work environment
- EDG disputes evidence validity and threatens legal action against accuser
- Community expresses outrage over handling and perceived victim-blaming
- Incident follows pattern of similar allegations across gaming industry
The League of Legends community has expressed significant discontent with EDward Gaming’s approach to addressing serious workplace misconduct claims involving one of their staff members.
A former female employee publicly accused the organization’s official photographer of engaging in persistent inappropriate behavior spanning more than twelve months. According to her detailed account, EDG management attempted financial settlements to prevent public disclosure before ultimately terminating her employment.
tw // sexual harassment
A former EDG staffer revealed she was sexually harassed for over a year by the photographer.
When she told the management, they tried to pay her off before they eventually forced her out of the org.
Pics in link:https://t.co/sI2DrTBauv
pic.twitter.com/uUMsturnyr— Linda???? (@iCrystalization)
September 12, 2020
The editor responsible for the “Fight Back” content series documented on Weibo that EDG cameraman Cai Mou repeatedly subjected her to unwanted advances, creating what she described as a “protracted nine-month struggle.”
During both professional settings and personal interactions, the camera operator consistently initiated inappropriate physical contact. The employee reported growing anxiety about potential job loss if she damaged their working relationship, which compelled her to endure the harassment silently.
In early 2020, she formally reported the unwelcome physical interactions to EDG leadership. Despite hoping for decisive action against the perpetrator, the company appeared dismissive of her complaints. Her interim strategy involved maintaining distance, yet the esports organization frequently arranged situations requiring their close collaboration.
Additional revelations indicated the company provided monetary compensation that she subsequently returned. More disturbingly, management allegedly suggested she “entice” Mou to gather incriminating evidence. The accuser also claimed EDG began imposing unrealistic deadlines and excessive workloads after she started voicing concerns.
“The prevalence of unrepentant offenders continues to baffle me,” the former staff member expressed. “Equally confusing are individuals with families and sisters who willingly become accomplices. I cannot comprehend why perpetrators enjoy peaceful lives while survivors endure constant pressure and concealment.”
EDG responds to sexual harassment allegations
EDward Gaming issued an official response when the allegations became public. Through their Weibo platform, the organization presented a chronological account from their corporate viewpoint.
According to the company’s narrative, the accuser failed to present conclusive proof verifying harassment incidents during her initial January 3 report. Management advised documentation for potential future occurrences.
The complainant raised concerns again in April, submitting a brief video recording. EDG determined the footage “lacked direct visual confirmation of sexual harassment.” Consequently, they could not establish whether the photographer had engaged in further misconduct.
The gaming organization further alleged the employee demonstrated “insufficient work engagement and productivity delays.” This reportedly caused video project postponements. Additionally, she had three unauthorized absences that “significantly impaired” video production schedules.
In mid-May, EDG claims the woman submitted “unsubstantiated compensation demands” without supporting documentation. She allegedly threatened resignation unless payments were made, ultimately leaving on May 22. The company clarified the alleged “silencing payment” constituted standard team performance bonuses distributed to all video department members.
“Concerning assertions about EDG tolerating employee sexual harassment and management negligence, this information is inaccurate, and we have engaged in repeated communication efforts. We emphasize our consistent enforcement of workplace standards. Employee guidelines and operational procedures have been communicated to all staff and welcome oversight, but we will not accept defamation,” the statement concluded.
EDG reiterated that conclusive verification of harassment and physical misconduct remained unprovided, without specifying what evidentiary standards would satisfy their investigation requirements.
The organization announced intentions to pursue legal action for “disseminating false information and unverified claims.” They are currently “collaborating with law enforcement” regarding the incident.
EDG’s official response has generated substantial concern among their fanbase. Community sentiment largely indicates perception of organizational avoidance of accountability for the former employee’s experience. Many supporters felt the company displayed indifference toward the staff member’s traumatic ordeal. Others questioned why video documentation received inadequate consideration.
EDG are, rightfully so, getting torn to shreds on Weibo.
I can’t even begin to explain how disappointed I am in EDG as an org and their atrocious way of handling this situation. I hope OP can feel at ease having finally told her story, and I commend her for her bravery.
— Linda???? (@iCrystalization)
September 12, 2020
Reports indicate EDG is actively removing discussion threads about the incident from Reddit. The “Fight Back” video content the former employee contributed to also shows “access restrictions” on YouTube.
This situation emerges amidst numerous similar disclosures from victims experiencing sexual misconduct, assault, and abusive treatment throughout esports, streaming, and gaming sectors. For organizations navigating similar challenges, our Complete Guide offers valuable crisis management frameworks that could prevent similar community relations breakdowns.
The gaming industry faces increasing pressure to establish robust harassment prevention systems and transparent investigation protocols. Companies must balance legal protections with ethical responsibilities toward employees reporting misconduct. Understanding proper Weapons Unlock procedures demonstrates how systematic approaches yield better outcomes than reactive measures.
Effective organizational responses typically include immediate impartial investigations, clear communication with stakeholders, and demonstrated commitment to workplace safety. The contrasting approaches seen in effective Class Guide implementations show how structured systems prevent similar controversies.
Action Checklist
- Implement clear harassment reporting protocols with multiple confidential channels
- Establish independent investigation procedures for misconduct allegations
- Train management on appropriate response strategies to victim disclosures
- Develop transparent communication plans for stakeholder engagement during crises
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