Top line
Video game streamer Dr. Disrespect, who has a following in the millions on YouTube, has lost numerous partnerships and faced condemnation from his fellow streamers after admitting to sending “inappropriate” messages to a minor on Twitch in 2017, something he said this week led to his permanent ban from the streaming platform in 2020.
Dr Disrespect, whose real name is Guy Beahm, said he sent messages to a minor on Twitch in 2017 … (+)
Highlights
The wave of backlash against Dr. Disrespect, whose real name is Guy Beahm, began Monday when Midnight Society, a video game studio co-founded by Beahm, announced it had learned of allegations against the streamer and decided to cut ties with him after “speaking with the parties involved.”
The San Francisco 49ers also cut ties with Beahm, SFGATE reported, ending a partnership in which Beahm announced the team’s 2022 third-round pick and starred in promotional videos.
Turtle Beach, a gaming accessory company, told TechRadar that it would no longer work with Beahm, and references to the streamer on the company’s website have reportedly been removed.
Beahm will also be removed from the NBA 2K24 video game once the next patch is released, 2K told Dexerto: players were able to use a jump shot and dunk style named after the streamer in previous versions.
Forbes reached out to other companies Beahm has partnered with, including Mountain Dew and Gillette, as well as Twitch and YouTube, for comment.
Chief Critics
Other streamers, including friends and collaborators of Beahm, criticized him on social media. Kai Cenat, one of the most followed creators on Twitch, was live as he read Beahm’s statement. He stopped following Beahm and told him to “reevaluate” his life. Creator PackGod, who has more than 4 million subscribers on YouTube, garnered millions of views for a diss track he released Wednesday targeting Beahm, rapping to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” that Beahm only publicly acknowledged his actions because he was “exposed.” YouTube gamer Jacksepticeye, who has more than 30 million subscribers, criticized Beahm on X, formerly known as Twitter, calling him “fucking disgusting.” Streamer NickMercs, who has made videos with Beahm, said there was “no excuse” for Beahm’s actions.
What is the controversy surrounding Dr. Disrespect?
After years of speculation about why Beahm was banned from Twitch in 2020, Cody Conners, whose LinkedIn account indicates he worked at Twitch for more than eight years, including as an account director for strategic partnerships, posted on X on Friday that Beahm was banned after he “was caught sexting a minor in the then-existing Twitch Whispers product,” claiming he was “trying to meet her at TwitchCon.” Beahm apparently responded to Conners’ post the next day, saying he was limited in what he could say following a settlement with Twitch, but maintained that he “did nothing wrong” or illegal and “this has all been investigated and resolved.” » After Midnight Society cut ties with Beahm on Monday, the streamer responded in a lengthy, expletive-filled statement posted to X in which he admitted to sending messages on Twitch in 2017 to a minor that “at times leaned too far toward being inappropriate.” Beahm maintained that the interactions were not illegal, that no photos were shared, and that he had never met the individual. He said he “should never have had these conversations to begin with,” apologizing to his “community” and Midnight Society, but he denied being a “predator or pedophile” and blasted those who called him “the worst of the worst with your exaggerations.”
Who is Dr. Disrespect and what is he famous for?
Beahm, known for his gaming persona Dr. Disrespect, rose to prominence in the gaming world after he began streaming full-time in 2015. He is known for his “brazen, booming alter ego,” The Washington Post reported, including his signature mullet and mustache, sunglasses and vest. He frequently streams games such as “Call of Duty” and “Fortnite.” He has also become known for several controversies, including a 2019 incident in which he livestreamed while entering a public restroom, which resulted in a temporary ban from Twitch, and allegations that he mocked Chinese accents during his livestreams, which he has denied.
Large number
113 million. That’s how many times Beahm’s statement on Tuesday was viewed on X.
Key context
Beahm was banned from Twitch in June 2020 for undisclosed reasons, sparking speculation about why Beahm, who had over 4 million followers on the platform at the time, making him one of its most popular creators, was suddenly banned from live streaming. Twitch declined to comment on the reason for his ban, telling The Verge that the platform takes “appropriate action when we have evidence that a streamer has acted in violation of our Community Guidelines or Terms of Service.” Beahm posted on X shortly after the ban that he had not been informed of the reason. Just three months before the ban, Beahm had signed a multi-year exclusive deal with Twitch to remain on the platform. Discord, an online messaging platform often used by gamers, banned Beahm the same day as Twitch, but also did not specify a reason. He moved to YouTube for his streaming content in August 2020. In August 2021, Beahm stated that he had learned the reason for his suspension months prior and that he was “suing Twitch”. In March 2022, Beahm posted on X that he had resolved his legal dispute with Twitch and that neither party had admitted wrongdoing, though he clarified that he would not return to the platform.
What should you pay attention to?
Beahm said he was “not going anywhere”, stating that he would return to streaming after taking a vacation with his family.
Further reading
Dr Disrespect Finally Explains Why He Was Banned From Twitch (The Verge)
Dr Disrespect is gone and Twitch won’t say why (The Verge)
Dr. Disrespect Speaks Out Again (The Washington Post)
Gn entert
News Source : www.forbes.com
