IGN Fires Longtime Editor-In-Chief For ‘Alleged Misconduct’

IGN has parted ways with longtime editor-in-chief Steve Butts over what is being categorized as “alleged misconduct.”

“IGN initiated an investigation into alleged misconduct involving Steve Butts. As a result of the investigation, the Company has appropriately determined to part ways with Mr. Butts,” Mitch Galbraith, IGN’s executive vice president, said in a statement to Polygon.

IGN co-founder and chief content officer Peer Schneider will take over for Butts on an interim basis.

Kotaku first reported that IGN was looking into Butts’ behavior late last fall and the investigation ended with Butts’ termination this week.

An IGN staff member alleged that Butts had harassed her in meetings held with the popular website’s editorial team.

Kallie Plagge, an editor at GameSpot, went public about her experience working at IGN back in November of last year.

Plagge told of a senior staffer who targeted her and another female editor with “manipulative and abusive comments” on a regular basis.

“The harassment (and horribly mishandled HR investigation) was a major factor in leaving IGN,” Plagge wrote. “I have carried the disgust, fear, and disrespect with me since.”

Vince Ingenito, the editor named by Plagge, said he’d been let go from IGN in March 2017.

Plagge left IGN in December 2016.

Galbraith issued  the following public statement in November:

“it is clear IGN can and must do better delivering on our commitment to a safe and harassment-free work environment for employees.”