Updated 6/24/2020 Via Twitch Blog: We want to provide an update on our investigations into the recent allegations of sexual abuse and harassment involving Twitch streamers and actions we’re taking. We are reviewing each case that has come to light as quickly as possible while ensuring appropriate due diligence as we assess these serious allegations. We’ve prioritized the most severe cases and will begin issuing permanent suspensions in line with our findings immediately. In many of the cases, the alleged incident took place off Twitch, and we need more information to make a determination. In some cases, we will need to report the case to the proper authorities who are better placed to conduct a more thorough investigation. For those who’ve come forward and would like to share additional information, and to anyone who hasn’t shared their experience and wants to do so, you can report confidentially through the reporting tools on each streamer’s channel page.
We’re also committed to continuing our efforts to make Twitch a safer environment with more tools to combat harassment and hate. We have work underway including a review of our Hateful Conduct and Harassment policies, enhanced offensive username detection, improvements to AutoMod and our Banned Words list, and other projects focused on reducing harassment and hateful conduct.
Those who have come forward have shown incredible strength, vulnerability, and bravery. We acknowledge that we can’t singlehandedly tackle pervasive issues across the gaming and broader internet communities, but we take our responsibility as a service for our community seriously. We will continue to assess accusations against people affiliated with Twitch and explore ways Twitch can collaborate with other industry leaders on this important issue.
Recently a massive wave of sexual misconduct allegations has flooded social media. What seemed to be sparked from an incident where multiple women accused SayNoToRage of sexual assault on June 19th. Omeed Darini was also accused of sexual harassment which led to him resigning as CEO of OPG and most of the talent leaving the management firm. Since then dozens of people have taken to social media to share their experiences of sexual misconduct from top content creators and gaming executives.
Twitch has issued a response commending the bravery of everyone who came forward. In a statement, via Twitter, they said that investigations of all situations brought to light will be conducted and law enforcement will be brought in if necessary.
— Twitch (@Twitch) June 22, 2020
Starling a partnered content creator on Twitch called out Emmett Shear the CEO for brushing off her story of sexual misconduct at an all-hands meeting following the platforms statement.
I’m sick of being quiet. The CEO of @Twitch, @eshear, was asked in an All Hands meeting about partners using their platforms to abuse women- specifically using my case as an example. He chuckled, said “wow, the things that go on on our platform, can’t really comment,” & moved on.
— ✨ Starling ✨ (@YourStarling) June 22, 2020
Starling claims to have been emotionally and psychologically abused by Twitch partner BrianBBright for over a year. In fear that he would out her pornography history and get banned.
I dated a Twitch partner who emotionally & psychologically abused me for over a year. After I got out and cut him off, he outed my old porn to his platform and called for Twitch to ban me for it. I was afraid for my safety, afraid to go to TwitchCon. No consequences. pic.twitter.com/EnFB8RYcWh
— ✨ Starling ✨ (@YourStarling) June 22, 2020
Samantha Wong also fired back at Twitch’s statement about a claim she made to Shear where information was provided about partners weaponizing their platform for sexual abuse. She claims no one ever addressed the situation and it was swept under the rug.
These are empty words considering you, as a company, minimized and dismissed my sexual harassment and continued to let the predator attend your events and gave him live segments at E3 on your official channel. https://t.co/qhRFRoFPRb
— Samantha Wong (@Sampai) June 22, 2020
Justin Wong former Vice President of Partnerships at Twitch corroborated her story saying he mentioned it to the VP, Head of HR, and the CEO.
I was a VP at Twitch and I reported this to the relationship-owning VP, the head of HR, and the CEO. All assured me it would be handled. Next year he was in the same VIP space at the same Twitch event. I was told he was the VP’s uncle and an “important” initiative launch partner. https://t.co/LvkPxW43zR
— Justin Wong (@JustinWong) June 22, 2020
So much drama has happened in the live streaming industry this week. Twitch must act fast and get their act together since Mixer has announced its closure a ton of content creators are looking for a new home. Will Twitch do the right thing?
