According to a report in Dot Sports Alienware, Dell’s high-performance gaming PC brand, has cut ties with Riot Games over the ongoing investigation into sexual harassment of Riot, Nicolo Laurent, and other public relations issues.
The deal, which was originally set to end in January 2022, appears to have ended early due to concerns about Riot’s public image. Earlier this year, Laurent was charged by his former executive assistant for sexual harassment. In 2019, Riot settled a lawsuit over gender discrimination $ 10 million dollars and in 2018, Kotaku reported on Riot’s toxic and sexist work culture
Alienware previously sponsored all Riot’s League of Legends worldwide esports broadcasts, including the Worlds tournament. Riot has since removed the branding from Alienware.
In a statement to Dot Sports, Riot said negotiations with Alienware were underway.
“We are unable to comment on our agreement with them at this time due to confidentiality obligations,” the statement read. “As we continue discussions with them, we have removed their branding from our broadcasts.”
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Kotaku has contacted Riot and Alienware for comment.