CHICAGO _ Max Temkin, co-founder of Cards Against Humanity, has stepped down from the company amid accusations of a racist and sexist culture in the Chicago office.
The company posted a statement on its website Tuesday confirming Temkin resigned June 9 following an internal investigation into social media posts by former employees about a toxic work environment. Many of the complaints centered around Temkin, who led the Chicago office.
"Max Temkin stepped down and no longer has any active role at Cards Against Humanity," the company said in the statement.
Temkin did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
Founded through a Kickstarter campaign in 2010, Cards Against Humanity has carved out a successful niche with a popular party game known for politically incorrect, cutting-edge humor. The game grew rapidly from a basement "hobby project" into a thriving company with 18 full-time employees and growing influence among Chicago startups.
Temkin was one of eight co-founders and the face of the irreverent company. An article on gaming website Polygon broke the news of Temkin's departure Tuesday.
Several former employees began posting complaints on June 6, according to the company.
"We want to apologize to employees who were unheard or disrespected in our office," the company said in its online statement. "We are truly sorry. We also want to state unequivocally that we condemn harassment of anyone who has posted stories about their experiences at Cards Against Humanity."
One former employee posted on Twitter June 6 that Cards Against Humanity was "an abusive company" that didn't care about its black employees.
Another former employee tweeted June 8 that "the owners tried to put the N-word into the game," and alleged Tempkin "tried to have me fired when I complained."
In its online statement Tuesday, Cards Against Humanity refuted the allegation.
"Cards Against Humanity has never and would never print the N-word written out," the company said. "The card in question, "Saying the N-word," was submitted to the partners for consideration by a Black remote contributor in early 2018."
The company said it is hiring a firm to improve its hiring and management practices. It is also retaining an outside organization to lead training for all employees, focusing on "communication and unconscious bias" at work.
"We are committed to rebuilding a workplace that the partners and staff can be proud of," the company said. "It is our responsibility to see this through."
