Sony has recently addressed a lawsuit brought by Christopher Barrett, a former Bungie staff member.
In documents filed with the court, which Game File has reported on, Sony shared text messages exchanged between Barrett and certain female Bungie employees. These messages, according to Sony, illustrate a “pattern of misconduct.”
Barrett departed from Bungie in March 2024 amid claims of inappropriate behavior towards female colleagues. He later initiated a lawsuit citing wrongful termination and seeking $200 million in damages. Barrett contends that his exit cost him $45 million he stood to gain from Sony’s 2022 acquisition of Bungie.
Sony, in its court filing, stated that Barrett’s dismissal was due to his alleged actions towards a female employee who was not directly under his supervision. Allegedly, Barrett began with friendly interactions before gradually making inappropriate comments about her appearance and expressing romantic interest. Sony claims Barrett tried to foster overly personal relationships with his targets.
The documents submitted by Sony also contain excerpts from text messages and direct communications Barrett allegedly sent to these women.
In response, Barrett’s legal team told Game File that Sony is selectively using these communications and not presenting them fully. “Sony continues to misrepresent the situation, using selective text messages and unsupported claims to tarnish Christopher’s reputation and justify his termination, sidestepping their obligation to compensate him as per his employment agreements,” Barrett’s lawyers stated.
The lawyers further argue, “Sony’s failure to include the complete messages or full conversations as evidence indicates a lack of substantial legal grounds to fire Christopher. Once all evidence is presented, it will become evident that Sony orchestrated a plan to remove him from his position and deny him the equity awards he rightfully earned over his 25-year career with the company.”
