Chris Barrett Sues Bungie and Sony for Defamation

Chris Barrett, the former director of Marathon at Bungie, has filed a lawsuit against Bungie and Sony, claiming they falsely accused him of sexual misconduct to avoid paying him nearly $50 million owed under his contract. Barrett was fired following an internal investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior towards several female colleagues, which he vehemently denies, describing the accusations as unfounded and a scapegoating tactic. His lawsuit seeks over $200 million, citing defamation, breach of contract, and retaliation under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Barrett contends that the internal investigation was a means to divert attention from Bungie’s business struggles post-Sony acquisition. He states that the allegations against him were fabricated to shift blame for the studio's issues and that he has suffered significant personal and professional damage as a result. The case highlights ongoing workplace culture challenges within the gaming industry, particularly in the wake of #MeToo allegations.