The recent Harvey Weinstein allegations have seemingly opened a floodgate of people coming forward to open up about employer-related sexual harassment and abuse stories. The latest victim to come forward is former Naughty Dog employee David Ballard, who has revealed in a series of Tweets that he was sexually harassed back when he was working for the game developer.  An environment artist and multiplayer level layout artist, the former Naughty Dog employee has stated that the sexual harassment that was leveled against him back in 2015 resulted in his termination from Naughty Dog. Ballard shared his story in a series of Tweets, which can be found below.

In late 2015, I was sexually harassed at Naughty Dog by a lead. My work environment became extremely toxic afterward.

In February 2016 I had a mental breakdown at work & Sony Playstation HR became involved. When I told them about the harassment they ended the call and fired me the next day. They cited the company was moving in a different direction and my job was no longer needed.

They tried to silence me by offering $20,000 if I signed a letter agreeing to the termination as well as to not discuss it with anyone. I declined to sign. I have been unemployed for 17 months since. When interviewers ask why I left Naughty Dog, I say I was burned out by the crunch, ashamed to get to the root of the problem of being sexually harassed.

I’m speaking out now because of the strength I’ve seen in others coming forward about their experiences in the TV/Film industry. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I will not let anyone kill my drive or love for the video game industry, my passions or life.”

Ballard worked on both the Uncharted series and The Last of Us during his time at Naughty Dog. He has not said anything else on Twitter following the above series of posts. That said, if he has proof that Sony offered him $20,000, both Sony and Naughty Dog could be in some very hot water. Neither Naughty Dog nor Sony have responded to Ballard’s claims of sexual harassment.

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