Part 6/10:
Blizzard’s situation is not isolated. The company has faced intense scrutiny over years of allegations related to toxic corporate culture, harassment, and misogyny. Following the fallout, the CEO resigned, and other key executives left or were pushed out. The appointment of O’Neill was viewed by some as an attempt at recalibration—a move to show that Blizzard was taking diversity and inclusion seriously.
Yet, her departure after only three months hints at more profound issues. Various industry observers draw parallels to past incidents at companies like Disney, where female executives were shuffled out after controversies or internal struggles. The pattern suggests that internal conflicts, resistance from leadership, and the challenge of genuine cultural reform are ongoing barriers.