Sexual misconduct lawsuit against video game writer Chris Avellone resolved with seven-figure payment.
Well-known video game writer Chris Avellone has settled a lawsuit with two women who publicly accused him of sexual misconduct. Avellone claimed that as part of the settlement, he received a seven-figure amount.
The allegations against Avellone first revealed in June 2020, two women accused him of being a “abusive, abrasive, conniving sexual predator” in a series of tweets. Following the claims, several developers cut ties with Avellone, including Techland, the studio behind Dying Light 2.
Avellone announced a year later that he had filed a lawsuit and accused the two women of libel. Almost two years after it was filed now The case has been resolved.
Avellone told on his personal blog on Saturday that the claims had been rejected with prejudice and he had received a seven-figure sum to cover his legal costs.
In a joint statement released by the two women, Karissa Barrows and Kelly Rae Bristol, they claimed that their public statements had been “misinterpreted.” The statement read that Avellone had never sexually abused them, and they had no knowledge of him abusing any women or misusing corporate funds. They also highlighted concern for women, minorities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals working in the video game industry.
Here is the signed statement from @ChrisAvellone‘s accusers, Karissa Barrows and Kelly Bristol, retracting their claims on social media and clearing him of any wrongdoing. pic.twitter.com/QO7FozeUni
— Erik ‘daibo’ Kain (@erikkain) March 25, 2023
Avellone responded to the joint statement, stating that he appreciated the willingness of Barrows and Bristol to work with him in addressing issues within the gaming community, and their advocacy should be commended and supported. He also called on everyone to respect the privacy of the two women and to use the opportunity to listen to all voices in improving the culture and communities.
The deal indicates the conclusion of a legal case that lasted almost two years. Avellone and the two women have reached a resolution, and they now seek to work together towards improving the gaming industry’s culture and communities.
