Destiny 2 player fined $500,000 for racist abuse, doxing and threats against devs

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Jesse James Comer, a Destiny 2 player who racially abused and terrorized a Bungie community manager and his family, has been ordered to pay nearly $500,000 in damages. This comes after Comer was found guilty of organizing a harassment campaign against the anonymous Bungie worker, stemming from his promotion of a black artist in the Destiny community.

In response to sharing the artwork, Comer found the worker’s address and phone number, leaving threatening messages and sending unpaid pizza to his door. In a message, he told the worker (known only as John Doe) to “convince Bungie to create options in their game in which only people of color would be killed.” Doe and his wife complained that they feared for their safety, forcing Bungie to take “expensive measures” including 24-hour security at their home.

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Bungie also hired investigators to track down Comer, who at this point was using an alias. Once identified, the studio also paid the legal costs incurred in the action against Comer. The court has now ruled in his favor, finding Comer liable for invasion of privacy and interference with his business activities, since Doe had to take time off work for his own safety.

As a result, Comer is ordered to pay $489,435 to Bungie. It’s unclear how much will go to the victim.

Paralegal Kathryn Tewson, who helped Bungie win the case, shared insight into the matter on Twitter. She says Comer – a “racist shit of a human being” – didn’t even bother to defend himself in court. Tewson says the case will set a precedent that will make it easier for employers to protect employees from online harassment.

It remains to be seen if Comer tries to appeal, though it certainly doesn’t look like he has a legal team ready to argue his case for him. The case will hopefully serve as a deterrent to online assholes who think they have a right to abuse those in the gaming industry and allow studios like Bungie to give them all the protection they need. they need. We now know the court is willing to ensure companies are compensated for these expenses, so we can see more employers taking an active role in keeping their workers safe.

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