Rocksteady Issues New Full Statement On Harassment Allegations

Rocksteady, the studio behind a Suicide Squad game that is set to be revealed this weekend at DC Fandome, has released a new statement regarding recent allegations made against the company. This latest statement differs from the previous two in that it's much longer, and is written on behalf of the company itself instead of from some of its staff.

The company received a collective letter from several female employees complaining of a culture of harassment in 2018. The statement posted to Twitter says it took that letter as a call to action. It outlines the steps the company took in response to that complaint, from meeting with female employees to investigating misconduct to inviting feedback on the behavior and portrayal of female characters.

It also says it has tapped an independent third party to speak with female employees in case any have been hesitant to come forward to their employer, and it will be encouraging other employees who left over the last few years to speak to the third-party organization as well.

"Right now we are as passionate as ever about creating an inclusive culture and we are listening carefully," the statement concludes. "We are determined to stand up for our staff, and stand firm against any unacceptable behaviour."

The prior statement, given to The Guardian as part of its reporting, was brief and mentioned that the company had taken steps in response, but didn't give details. The company also released an unsolicited letter it said it received from female employees, including many of those who lodged the initial complaint, saying the culture at the studio had improved. Those employees also said they felt their "privacy and wishes have been disregarded" since the existence of the initial 2018 letter was meant to remain a private matter.

In response to the Guardian report, one former writer from the Suicide Squad game, Kim MacAskill, requested to be removed from the credits. She left the company in 2019.

The Suicide Squad game has long been rumored, but WB and Rocksteady only recently revealed it in preparation for it appearing on the DC Fandome schedule. That scheduled event is called Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, but it's unclear whether that's the actual game title. A piece of key art appears to show crosshairs aimed at the head of Superman.