Sony Addresses $200 Million Wrongful Termination Lawsuit Filed by Bungie Veteran Barrett

Sony has finally addressed the lawsuit filed by Christopher Barrett, a former Bungie employee.

In recently revealed documents, as highlighted by Game File, PlayStation has shared text messages between Barrett and female colleagues at Bungie. Sony claims these messages demonstrate a “pattern of misconduct.”

Barrett departed from Bungie in March 2024, with initial reports later confirming it was amid allegations related to inappropriate behavior towards female employees. He’s now seeking $200 million in damages through a wrongful dismissal lawsuit, arguing his exit cost him $45 million he was supposed to receive from Sony’s acquisition of Bungie back in 2022.

Sony maintains in its legal response that Barrett’s dismissal resulted from his actions toward a “lower-level, female employee he wasn’t directly working with. What began as friendly conversation allegedly escalated, with Barrett reportedly overstepping boundaries, making subtle remarks about her appearance, and expressing romantic interest. Sony alleges he tried to build an inappropriate level of intimacy with these employees.”

The documents from Sony include excerpts from messages and direct communications Barrett is said to have sent to his reported victims.

Barrett’s legal team has fired back, telling Game File, “Sony continues to selectively interpret text messages and supposed conversations, making sweeping claims to defame Christopher and justify avoiding the payments he was owed under his contracts.”

They further argued, “The fact that Sony hasn’t presented the complete messages or full conversations suggests there’s no real legal or factual justification for Barrett’s termination.”

Barrett remains confident that full evidence will demonstrate Sony orchestrated a plan to oust him and deny him the equity and recognition he earned throughout his 25-year career with them.