Microsoft says hiring go-go dancers at Xbox party was wrong

BRANDON BAILEY, AP Technology Writer


SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Microsoft says it was "unequivocally wrong" for hosting a party with scantily dressed female dancers during a video game developers' conference.

The party sparked a firestorm of criticism this week, in an industry that's been struggling to overcome longstanding complaints that it has objectified women and made them feel unwelcome as players and game-builders. In response, the head of Microsoft's Xbox division issued a statement saying the after-hours entertainment "represented Xbox and Microsoft in a way that was absolutely not consistent or aligned to our values."

An Xbox spokeswoman declined to answer questions about the dancers, who wore abbreviated school-girl outfits as they reportedly greeted party-goers and danced on platforms. The party was held Thursday night during the annual Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.

Several people who attended the after-hours party complained on social media that they were offended and disappointed at seeing the go-go dancers. Some also noted the irony that, just hours earlier, Microsoft had sponsored a "Women in Gaming" luncheon to promote diversity in the industry.

In a statement, Xbox chief Phil Spencer acknowledged the event "disappointed many people" and pledged to "do better in the future."

Xbox also released an email that Spencer sent to employees, which said the criticism was deserved. "I am personally committed to ensuring that diversity and inclusion is central to our everyday business," he added.

-- (c) Associated Press 2016-03-20

Always easy to say after the party is over.

It's a lot like drinking too much. Most people don't get up and say, oh that was great, I think I'll do it again.

I hope they enjoyed their party.

Always easier to act contrite after the fact than get to approval beforehand.

Pretty much a proven formula.

Edited March 20, 201610 yr by Hayduke

"An Xbox spokeswoman declined to answer questions about the dancers, who wore abbreviated school-girl outfits as they reportedly greeted party-goers and danced on platforms."

Sounds like good fun to me. What is wrong with these MS people (this MS person, Phil Spencer)?

Just the usual CYA. Pathetic.

Ha ha, that's where the 'X' in Xboxes came from. I'm glad some people were offended, they deserve to be.

Nothing more offensive than the female human body...not PC at all. Minority transgenders would probably have been acceptable.

This is exactly why it's unbearable to live back home. Scantily clad sex objects and alcohol, some of the few pleasures in life ... and they have to apologize.

Of course it is wrong, everyone knows it is wrong. Should have employed Coyote Dancers. Sheesh, go-go dancers, how passe! I'm outraged and disgusted.

So sad when we cant celebrate the beauty and charm of females who love to be adored and paid for it. Perhaps some anime on VR headsets next time.

It was probably a counter productive move. Self of those guys probably now know what their joystick is really used for.

Ok for a private party not clever to do at a public event. USA is very conservative much more so than Europe but eitherway it is free publicity not sure if it would damage xbox or ms reputations.

Once, just the once I would love to see a large, rich corporation like this tell these politically correct FemiNazis it will not apologise. That the vast majority of those that attended enjoyed the dancers and those that didn't should go away and get some sort of a life. <deleted> ! Have these people got no balls or a backbone ?

Political correctness is the scourge of the free world !

I am sure many more potential buyers would have enjoyed a brass band instead.

Doesn't look all that bad,

Edited March 20, 201610 yr by MaeJoMTB

A lot of people seem to be stood around on their own - Ah well I guess that's gamers and geeks for ya!

Skip the go-go ladies and get the nude dancers in on all the action......woo, woo! :-)

What's wrong is that such entertainment is wasted on geektards. They're too busy playing with their dongles.

How very offensive: Brittany Spears circa 2002

Doesn't look all that bad,

xbox.jpg

xbox2.jpg

Once, just the once I would love to see a large, rich corporation like this tell these politically correct FemiNazis it will not apologise. That the vast majority of those that attended enjoyed the dancers and those that didn't should go away and get some sort of a life. <deleted> ! Have these people got no balls or a backbone ?

Political correctness is the scourge of the free world !

I like the term feminazi, it generally means there is no point in reading further.

Once, just the once I would love to see a large, rich corporation like this tell these politically correct FemiNazis it will not apologise. That the vast majority of those that attended enjoyed the dancers and those that didn't should go away and get some sort of a life. <deleted> ! Have these people got no balls or a backbone ?

Political correctness is the scourge of the free world !

I like the term feminazi, it generally means there is no point in reading further.

Or thinking. That's often why it's used.

How very offensive: Brittany Spears circa 2002

Good memory .........