California governor accused of meddling in Activision lawsuit

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been accused of interfering in a sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuit against video game company Activision Blizzard.

Melanie Proctor, assistant chief counsel for California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing, has resigned and accused the governor’s office of meddling in the case. Her boss at the agency, Chief Counsel Janette Wipper, previously was fired by the governor. Both attorneys stepped down from the Activision lawsuit earlier this month without explanation.

“The office of the governor repeatedly demanded advance notice of litigation strategy and of next steps in the litigation. As we continued to win in state court, this interference increased, mimicking the interests of Activision’s counsel," Proctor reportedly said in an email to staff.

Erin Mellon, communications director for Newsom, said "claims of interference by our office are categorically false."

Read more from Bloomberg.