Latest news with #SergeHascoët
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ubisoft sexual harassment trial: Up to three years suspended prison sentences requested
The trial of three former top executives from French video game giant Ubisoft – the maker of games like Assassin's Creed and Far Cry - took place this week in Bobigny, France. Serge Hascoët, Thomas François and Guillaume Patrux appeared before the Bobigny criminal court on charges of psychological abuse, sexual harassment and attempted sexual assault. The prosecutor called for suspended prison sentences of up to three years and fines for all three, describing the accusations as 'extremely serious'. The public prosecutor's office requested an 18-month suspended prison sentence and a €45,000 fine against the company's former No. 2, Serge Hascoët; one year's imprisonment and a €10,000 fine against game designer Guillaume Patrux; and a suspended sentence of three years in prison as well as a €30,000 fine against the former vice-president of the editorial department, Thomas François. The verdict is expected on 2 July. The trial, seen as a landmark #MeToo moment in the male-dominated video game publishing industry, followed the publication of an in-depth investigation by Libération and Numerama in 2020. It highlighted working conditions plagued by harassment, humiliation and discriminatory comments, as well as the psychological, sexist and sexual harassment that had been going on at Ubisoft for around ten years. The testimonies that poured in painted a damning picture of what went on behind the walls of the Ubisoft studios. When François was questioned about a sexual assault that a former colleague had accused him of committing, and for which she had testified on the stand the previous day, he replied that he had 'no recollection.' The three defendants pleaded amnesia and their denial was roundly rebutted by the civil parties' lawyers. According to them, the trial was really about the 'extremely virile and childish culture' at Ubisoft, the French flagship of an 'industry built by men and for men.' The civil parties and the defence also deplored the fact that no proceedings have been brought against the legal entity Ubisoft, its CEO Yves Guillemot and Marie Derain, the head of human resources. 'This trial could have been exemplary,' according to Marc Rutschlé, union delegate at Solidaires Informatique. He told L'Humanité: 'It wasn't three isolated individuals who created this atmosphere of widespread harassment. Their impunity was organised. There are no defendants and many victims. The whole structural aspect has been evacuated.' Previously, Guillemot allegedly referred to some of the accusations as 'generational differences of opinion' and 'creative friction'.
Euronews
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Landmark French #MeToo trial for gaming giant Ubisoft comes to an end
The trial of three former top executives from French video game giant Ubisoft – the maker of games like Assassin's Creed and Far Cry - took place this week in Bobigny, France. Serge Hascoët, Thomas François and Guillaume Patrux appeared before the Bobigny criminal court on charges of psychological abuse, sexual harassment and attempted sexual assault. The prosecutor called for suspended prison sentences of up to three years and fines for all three, describing the accusations as 'extremely serious'. The public prosecutor's office requested an 18-month suspended prison sentence and a €45,000 fine against the company's former No. 2, Serge Hascoët; one year's imprisonment and a €10,000 fine against game designer Guillaume Patrux; and a suspended sentence of three years in prison as well as a €30,000 fine against the former vice-president of the editorial department, Thomas François. The verdict is expected on 2 July. The trial, seen as a landmark #MeToo moment in the male-dominated video game publishing industry, followed the publication of an in-depth investigation by Libération and Numerama in 2020. It highlighted working conditions plagued by harassment, humiliation and discriminatory comments, as well as the psychological, sexist and sexual harassment that had been going on at Ubisoft for around ten years. The testimonies that poured in painted a damning picture of what went on behind the walls of the Ubisoft studios. When François was questioned about a sexual assault that a former colleague had accused him of committing, and for which she had testified on the stand the previous day, he replied that he had 'no recollection.' The three defendants pleaded amnesia and their denial was roundly rebutted by the civil parties' lawyers. According to them, the trial was really about the 'extremely virile and childish culture' at Ubisoft, the French flagship of an 'industry built by men and for men.' The civil parties and the defence also deplored the fact that no proceedings have been brought against the legal entity Ubisoft, its CEO Yves Guillemot and Marie Derain, the head of human resources. 'This trial could have been exemplary,' according to Marc Rutschlé, union delegate at Solidaires Informatique. He told L'Humanité: 'It wasn't three isolated individuals who created this atmosphere of widespread harassment. Their impunity was organised. There are no defendants and many victims. The whole structural aspect has been evacuated.' Previously, Guillemot allegedly referred to some of the accusations as 'generational differences of opinion' and 'creative friction'. Lost for over 150 years, one of JMW Turner's earliest oil paintings is about to go on display at London's Sotheby's before being auctioned. Titled 'The Rising Squall, Hot Wells, from St Vincent's Rock, Bristol', it depicts a dramatic stormy scene engulfing Hot Wells House in Bristol, UK - as seen from the east bank of the River Avon, where the Clifton Suspension Bridge now sits. Painted by Turner when he was just 17 years old, it is now believed to be the artist's earliest exhibited oil painting, having been displayed at the Royal Academy exhibition in 1793. Its last public appearance was in 1858, at an exhibition in Tasmania, before disappearing into private collections for over a century and a half. Upon being rediscovered last year, Turner's signature was revealed during the restoration process. 'Its reemergence now allows viewers and scholars alike to appreciate the startling ambition of this great artist at such an early moment in his career, by which stage he is already demonstrating a level of confidence and competency in oil painting far beyond what was previously known,' a press release states. The painting will go on public display at Sotheby's in London from 28 June to 1 July 2025, ahead of being auctioned for an estimated value of £200,000-300,000 (approx. €237,544 to €356,316). The auction also coincides with the 250th anniversary of Turner's birth, as various exhibitions and events across the UK - including London's Tate, National Gallery and the Turner Contemporary - celebrate the artist's legacy. Considered one of the world's most influential 18th-century artists, Turner was a key figure within Romanticism and best known for his dramatic landscapes, ambient with bold colour and tumultuous skies. While 'The Rising Squall' had previously been referenced in obituaries, it was mistaken as a watercolour and therefore excluded from the first catalogue of Turner's exhibited oil paintings. Based on a drawing from the artist's earliest sketchbook and a watercolour, both of which are currently held at the Tate Britain, the artwork is believed to have been first acquired by, and possibly painted for, Reverend Robert Nixon - a friend and early supporter of Turner's. Before now, experts considered Turner's earliest exhibited oil painting to be the 'Fisherman at Sea', displayed at the Royal Academy in 1796.
Euronews
6 days ago
- Euronews
Watch: The radio-controlled vehicle enthusiasts flying high in Qatar
The centre has over 3,000 members who build and operate radio-controlled cars, fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and drones. The Qatar RC Sports Centre is a place for hobbyists and businesses to practice, store their radio-controlled vehicles, and obtain licenses. ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ Three former top executives from French video game giant Ubisoft – the maker of games like Assassin's Creed and Far Cry - went on trial on Monday. Serge Hascoët, Thomas "Tommy" François and Guillaume Patrux appeared before the Bobigny criminal court on charges of psychological abuse, sexual harassment and attempted sexual assault. The trial is due to continue until Friday. During the week, the judges will hear the accounts of six women and three men, as well as accusations made by two trade unions. The defendants deny all the allegations against them. The Ubisoft omerta began to break in 2020. Three years prior, a Ubisoft employee tried to report psychological harassment to his superiors. The response? 'You stop talking about this immediately. There's no problem at Ubisoft.' But then came an in-depth investigation conducted by French publications Libération and Numerama. The examination revealed working conditions plagued by harassment, humiliation and discriminatory comments. Ubisoft then launched an internal inquiry in 2020 after anonymous testimonies emerged on social media accusing the company of a toxic work culture. Investigators spoke to dozens of witnesses during the probe, but "many refused to file a complaint for fear of reactions from the video game community.' Still, the testimonies that poured in painted a damning picture of what went on behind the walls of the Ubisoft studios. Serge Hascoët, 59, Ubisoft's chief creative officer and second-in-command, who resigned after the allegations, is accused of sexual harassment and bullying. He is also accused of making racist comments. He allegedly told staff that a senior employee was irritating because she did not have enough sex and that he should have sex with her in a meeting room in front of everyone 'to show how to calm her.' Thomas François, 52, former vice-president of editorial and creative services, is accused of forcing a young employee he had just hired to do a headstand in the open-plan office while wearing a skirt. He is also alleged to have often watched pornographic films in the open-plan office and, at a 2015 office Christmas party, he allegedly tried to kiss a colleague on the mouth as his other colleagues restrained the woman. She said she managed to break free and felt 'traumatised' by the incident. Former game director Patrux, 41, has been accused of psychological harassment and was dismissed for serious misconduct. He is alleged to have mimed hitting staff, cracked a whip near colleagues' faces and drawn swastikas on a woman's notebook as he sat near her in a meeting. Other examples which allegedly took place under the complicit or indifferent eye of Ubisoft management include shameful examples of public humiliation. For instance, a young Muslim member of staff allegedly found her screensaver changed to an image of a bacon sandwich, while sandwiches were thrown at her during Ramadan. Other women alleged to police that sexual comments were made regularly, that they were called 'sluts' and told to wear shorter skirts. One woman who wore a coat with red lining was allegedly told by an executive: 'That's an invitation to rape.' This week's trial is a pivotal moment for the gaming industry, one hailed by some as a #MeToo moment in the video games "boys club". Indeed, the male-dominated video game publishing industry has been scrutinised for years over its treatment of women and minorities, as well as the way these groups are depicted in games. However, there are those who feel that this week's trial is not enough. 'This trial could have been exemplary,' according to Marc Rutschlé, union delegate at Solidaires Informatique. He told L'Humanité: 'It wasn't three isolated individuals who created this atmosphere of widespread harassment. Their impunity was organised. There are no defendants and many victims. The whole structural aspect has been evacuated.' Indeed, Ubisoft is taking great care to keep out of the trial as neither the human resources department, nor any representative of the company as a legal entity or its CEO Yves Guillemot, will be making an appearance in court. Guillemot allegedly previously referred to some of the accusations as 'generational differences of opinion' and 'creative friction'. The trial continues in Bobigny until Friday.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Psychological humiliation and sexual harassment: Three former Ubisoft execs on trial in France
Three former top executives from French video game giant Ubisoft – the maker of games like Assassin's Creed and Far Cry - went on trial on Monday. Serge Hascoët, Thomas "Tommy" François and Guillaume Patrux appeared before the Bobigny criminal court on charges of psychological abuse, sexual harassment and attempted sexual assault. The trial is due to continue until Friday. During the week, the judges will hear the accounts of six women and three men, as well as accusations made by two trade unions. The defendants deny all the allegations against them. The Ubisoft omerta began to break in 2020. Three years prior, a Ubisoft employee tried to report psychological harassment to his superiors. The response? 'You stop talking about this immediately. There's no problem at Ubisoft.' But then came an in-depth investigation conducted by French publications Libération and Numerama. The examination revealed working conditions plagued by harassment, humiliation and discriminatory comments. Ubisoft then launched an internal inquiry in 2020 after anonymous testimonies emerged on social media accusing the company of a toxic work culture. Investigators spoke to dozens of witnesses during the probe, but "many refused to file a complaint for fear of reactions from the video game community.' Still, the testimonies that poured in painted a damning picture of what went on behind the walls of the Ubisoft studios. Serge Hascoët, 59, Ubisoft's chief creative officer and second-in-command, who resigned after the allegations, is accused of sexual harassment and bullying. He is also accused of making racist comments. He allegedly told staff that a senior employee was irritating because she did not have enough sex and that he should have sex with her in a meeting room in front of everyone 'to show how to calm her.' Thomas François, 52, former vice-president of editorial and creative services, is accused of forcing a young employee he had just hired to do a headstand in the open-plan office while wearing a skirt. He is also alleged to have often watched pornographic films in the open-plan office and, at a 2015 office Christmas party, he allegedly tried to kiss a colleague on the mouth as his other colleagues restrained the woman. She said she managed to break free and felt 'traumatised' by the incident. Former game director Patrux, 41, has been accused of psychological harassment and was dismissed for serious misconduct. He is alleged to have mimed hitting staff, cracked a whip near colleagues' faces and drawn swastikas on a woman's notebook as he sat near her in a meeting. Other examples which allegedly took place under the complicit or indifferent eye of Ubisoft management include shameful examples of public humiliation. For instance, a young Muslim member of staff allegedly found her screensaver changed to an image of a bacon sandwich, while sandwiches were thrown at her during Ramadan. Other women alleged to police that sexual comments were made regularly, that they were called 'sluts' and told to wear shorter skirts. One woman who wore a coat with red lining was allegedly told by an executive: 'That's an invitation to rape.' This week's trial is a pivotal moment for the gaming industry, one hailed by some as a #MeToo moment in the video games "boys club". Indeed, the male-dominated video game publishing industry has been scrutinised for years over its treatment of women and minorities, as well as the way these groups are depicted in games. However, there are those who feel that this week's trial is not enough. 'This trial could have been exemplary,' according to Marc Rutschlé, union delegate at Solidaires Informatique. He told L'Humanité: 'It wasn't three isolated individuals who created this atmosphere of widespread harassment. Their impunity was organised. There are no defendants and many victims. The whole structural aspect has been evacuated.' Indeed, Ubisoft is taking great care to keep out of the trial as neither the human resources department, nor any representative of the company as a legal entity or its CEO Yves Guillemot, will be making an appearance in court. Guillemot allegedly previously referred to some of the accusations as 'generational differences of opinion' and 'creative friction'. The trial continues in Bobigny until Friday.
Euronews
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Three former execs at video games firm Ubisoft on trial in France
Three former top executives from French video game giant Ubisoft – the maker of games like Assassin's Creed and Far Cry - went on trial today. Serge Hascoët, Thomas "Tommy" François and Guillaume Patrux appeared before the Bobigny criminal court on charges of psychological abuse, sexual harassment and attempted sexual assault. The trial is due to continue until Friday. During the week, the judges will hear the accounts of six women and three men, as well as accusations made by two trade unions. The defendants deny all the allegations against them. The Ubisoft omerta began to break in 2020. Three years prior, a Ubisoft employee tried to report psychological harassment to his superiors. The response? 'You stop talking about this immediately. There's no problem at Ubisoft.' But then came an in-depth investigation conducted by French publications Libération and Numerama. The examination revealed working conditions plagued by harassment, humiliation and discriminatory comments. Ubisoft then launched an internal inquiry in 2020 after anonymous testimonies emerged on social media accusing the company of a toxic work culture. Investigators spoke to dozens of witnesses during the probe, but "many refused to file a complaint for fear of reactions from the video game community.' Still, the testimonies that poured in painted a damning picture of what went on behind the walls of the Ubisoft studios. Serge Hascoët, 59, Ubisoft's chief creative officer and second-in-command, who resigned after the allegations, is accused of sexual harassment and bullying. He is also accused of making racist comments. He allegedly told staff that a senior employee was irritating because she did not have enough sex and that he should have sex with her in a meeting room in front of everyone 'to show how to calm her.' Thomas François, 52, former vice-president of editorial and creative services, is accused of forcing a young employee he had just hired to do a headstand in the open-plan office while wearing a skirt. He is also alleged to have often watched pornographic films in the open-plan office and, at a 2015 office Christmas party, he allegedly tried to kiss a colleague on the mouth as his other colleagues restrained the woman. She said she managed to break free and felt 'traumatised' by the incident. Former game director Patrux, 41, has been accused of psychological harassment and was dismissed for serious misconduct. He is alleged to have mimed hitting staff, cracked a whip near colleagues' faces and drawn swastikas on a woman's notebook as he sat near her in a meeting. Other examples which allegedly took place under the complicit or indifferent eye of Ubisoft management include shameful examples of public humiliation. For instance, a young Muslim member of staff allegedly found her screensaver changed to an image of a bacon sandwich, while sandwiches were thrown at her during Ramadan. Other women alleged to police that sexual comments were made regularly, that they were called 'sluts' and told to wear shorter skirts. One woman who wore a coat with red lining was allegedly told by an executive: 'That's an invitation to rape.' This week's trial is a pivotal moment for the gaming industry, one hailed by some as a #MeToo moment in the video games "boys club". Indeed, the male-dominated video game publishing industry has been scrutinised for years over its treatment of women and minorities, as well as the way these groups are depicted in games. However, there are those who feel that this week's trial is not enough. 'This trial could have been exemplary,' according to Marc Rutschlé, union delegate at Solidaires Informatique. He told L'Humanité: 'It wasn't three isolated individuals who created this atmosphere of widespread harassment. Their impunity was organised. There are no defendants and many victims. The whole structural aspect has been evacuated.' Indeed, Ubisoft is taking great care to keep out of the trial as neither the human resources department, nor any representative of the company as a legal entity or its CEO Yves Guillemot, will be making an appearance in court. Guillemot allegedly previously referred to some of the accusations as 'generational differences of opinion' and 'creative friction'. The trial continues in Bobigny until Friday 6 June.
