Following the universe collapsing news that breast-man and boozehound Tomonobu Itagaki was accused of sexual harassment by a Tecmo employee and slapped with a lawsuit, comes response from the Ninja Gaiden producer's publisher. They say that the reported harassment never took place—instead calling the allegations a "result of the former employee's desire to vent frustrations over her own personal affairs"—and that "Tecmo did not issue an unjustified notice of dismissal to the former employee."

Still, Tecmo points out that Itagaki and unnamed, unnumbered "others" "mingled personal affairs with their corporate responsibilities." Hmm. Strip club-based team meetings, anyone? This dirty mingling resulted in salary reductions, demotions, and reprimands toward Itagaki and "others."

Why the statement now, in the middle of litigation? Tecmo finds it "unfortunate" that certain media outlets are "one-sidedly cover[ing] the false claims of the former employee." This "egregious defamation" has them all riled up, including Itagaki, who plans to file a reversal move countersuit against the accuser.

Damn, my double-quote button is tired. Good luck with your lawsuits, everyone! Michael McWhertor

A Statement Regarding Certain News Reports Concerning Ongoing Litigation (pdf)
Itagaki Sued for Sexual Harassment [Kotaku]

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