Update: IGN co-founder and general manager Peer Schneider will be taking over as editor-in-chief for the time being.
The exec confirmed as such to Polygon, saying that he'd be in this role until things get better.
“It’ll be however long it takes to get it right,” Schneider said.
“I’m lucky to have a team of seasoned editorial and video leaders I can rely on while I search for the best person for the job.”
Original story: Games media giant IGN has "parted ways" with its editor-in-chief, Steve Butts following an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct.
As reported by Kotaku, Butts was accused of harassment during the meetings that following former associate editor Kallie Plagge accusing former colleague Vince Ingenito of sexual harassment.
The site reports that Butts has been working at home since the investigation, with one employee describing this as awkward and the "elephant in the room".
“IGN initiated an investigation into alleged misconduct involving Steve Butts," IGN GM Mitch Galbraith said.
"As a result of the investigation, the Company has appropriately determined to part ways with Mr. Butts."
Plagge spoke out publicly about Ingenito on Twitter back in November 2017 in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein controversy in Hollywood that sparked a societal conversation about sexual harassment under the #MeToo hashtag. Another IGN employee, Chloi Rad, also spoke out about Ingenito, with Plagge also making reference to a boss that had mishandled the entire situation - Kotaku now says that this boss was Steve Butts.
Back then, Galbraith sent a memo to all staff responding to the allegations and outlining how the company would be improving as a workplace.
“I am taking the following steps to ensure we achieve our goals," he said.
"First, I will enlist an independent expert to thoroughly examine how we handled the matter in question and, more broadly, all other important aspects of creating a healthy workplace. Second, I will turn the findings and recommendations of that review into specific actions that I will share with all of you. I will be accountable to you for delivering results. Third, I will work to give HR a stronger presence throughout IGN, including outside the San Francisco office.
“I’m not going to reiterate IGN’s commitment to a safe and harassment free work environment. Instead I am going to work with all of you to prove it with our actions and results from here on out.”
