Ubisoft Denies CEO Summoned for Harassment Trial of Former Executives

Yves Guillemot, CEO of Ubisoft

Ubisoft has firmly rejected reports claiming its CEO, Yves Guillemot, was ordered to appear in court for an upcoming trial involving former company executives accused of sexual harassment.

The French gaming giant called these claims "unfounded" and stated it "categorically" denies news via PCGamesInsider.

The controversy emerged when French union Solidaires Informatique reported last week that Guillemot, along with HR director Marie Derain and Ubisoft as a company, had been summoned to testify in the trial.

What the Case Is About

The trial focuses on three former Ubisoft executives facing serious accusations: Serge Hascoët (ex-chief creative officer), Tommy François (former VP of editorial services), and Guillaume Patrux (former game director).

These individuals left the company back in 2020 amid a wave of allegations about abuse and toxic workplace behavior — a scandal that rocked Ubisoft and the wider games industry.

According to a report by VGC, the trial was originally scheduled for March 2025 but got delayed due to procedural hiccups. It’s now set to begin on June 2 at the 15th Criminal Chamber of the Bobigny Court.

The investigation that led to the trial kicked off in 2021, following complaints from two victims and the Solidaires Informatique union. All three accused were arrested in 2023 after a year-long police investigation.

Allegations Paint a Grim Picture

The accusations are disturbing. Hascoët is alleged to have made inappropriate sexual remarks, asked invasive personal questions, and even made racist comments.

One particularly shocking claim involves a Muslim employee who was allegedly asked if she supported ISIS. Reports say the same employee’s desktop wallpaper was changed to pictures of bacon sandwiches, and food was placed on her desk during Ramadan.

François faces even more severe allegations, including repeated psychological and sexual harassment. Accusations include watching inappropriate videos in shared workspaces, making crude comments about female colleagues, and even attempted sexual assault at a company Christmas party.

Patrux, who worked on games like The Crew and Grow Home, is accused of psychological harassment.

“This case is broader and involves many more people,” the union said. They argue that Ubisoft’s leadership — even if not directly involved — should be questioned to highlight the “systemic nature of harassment” at the company.