UPDATE 12/06/20: Ron Johnson, the Riot Games executive who blamed George Floyd’s death on his “criminal lifestyle” in a social media post, has now left the company.
Riot Games confirmed to Eurogamer that Johnson “is no longer employed at Riot Games”, adding that the image he shared “is abhorrent and runs directly counter to our values and our belief that addressing systemic racism requires immediate societal change, something that we’re committed to working toward”. Riot also reaffirmed its intention to help tackle racial injustice, pointing to its recent $1m charity donation and $10m investment for “founders underrepresented in the games industry”.
According to an internal memo seen by ESPN, Riot CEO Nicolo Laurent told employees he wouldn’t comment on Johnson’s “intentions in posting that particular message”, adding that “everyone is entitled to their own political views”, but highlighted the post was hurtful and undermined Riot’s current messaging.
“I believe Ron exercised really poor judgement here. It resulted in a post that was harmful to many of us and our broader community. It was insensitive and in this moment, it undermines the commitment we’ve made to stand against all acts of injustice, racism, prejudice, and hate. It also hinders our ability to create an inclusive environment for our entire community: Rioters, players, and partners alike.
“Ron understands this and recognises that he will be ineffective as a leader at Riot going forward. As a result, he has resigned, effective today.”
ORIGINAL STORY 11/06/20: Only a few days after Riot Games announced it would invest a significant amount of money in minority-owned game studios, attention has once again turned to problems with Riot’s internal culture, as one of the company’s executives has been placed on leave for downplaying the killing of George Floyd.