In a startling development, Mark Barlet, who founded AbleGamers, a renowned charity focused on gaming accessibility, has been accused of engaging in abusive conduct that allegedly spans over 20 years.
A recent investigative piece by IGN brings to light distressing testimonies from former staff members. They claim that Barlet has used discriminatory language, including sexist and racist remarks, aimed at colleagues, as well as making offensive comments about individuals with disabilities.
One former employee shared a particularly unsettling experience, alleging that Barlet often labeled her the company’s HR representative solely because she was the only woman in the team. This same individual also described instances where Barlet made inappropriate comments regarding her physical appearance in front of others.
Following the conclusion of an external investigation last September, Barlet stepped back from his role at the charity, yet he has strongly refuted the allegations of harassment and misconduct.
“An independent investigation confirmed that these claims are baseless,” Barlet asserted in an official statement.
Beyond his allegedly derogatory language, there are also serious concerns regarding Barlet’s handling of charity funds. Reports indicate lavish spending, such as first-class airline tickets, lengthy hotel stays after work trips, and even an expensive charger for his Tesla.
In defending these financial practices, Barlet stated that his travel expenses adhered to company policy, arguing that the extended stays were needed for additional meetings, and downplayed the purchase of the charger as simply a “plug.”
Despite his reassurances, a report from April 2024 by the external firm ADP reportedly suggested that the AbleGamers board should terminate Barlet’s association with the organization due to these financial issues. Alarmingly, this guidance was allegedly dismissed, prompting several employees to file grievances with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This led to an investigation that culminated in Barlet’s exit from the charity in September 2024, reportedly accompanied by a severance package.
After leaving AbleGamers, Barlet initiated a new venture called AccessForge, focusing on accessibility solutions. Meanwhile, individuals who bravely came forward with their allegations claim they’ve encountered retaliation from the charity’s board, effectively marginalizing them.
Current staff at AbleGamers have voiced concerns about repercussions for speaking out, feeling pressured to remain silent regarding their experiences when approached by IGN. There are allegations that Steven Spohn, another prominent figure in the charity, advised employees against sharing comments that might damage the organization’s reputation.
As of now, both Steven Spohn and AbleGamers have not responded to requests from IGN for comment.
