"We have removed this co-streamer" - The Overwatch League bans Twitch co-streamer who called transgender caster a "pig"

During the Overwatch World Cup 2023 qualifiers, controversy arose after two Saudi Arabian streamers, namely Legendary from Triple Esports and Alivelol from Onyx Ravens, directed transphobic and toxic remarks toward a transgender caster, resulting in a highly contentious situation. Following the incident, the organizers promptly issued an update stating that the individual(s) responsible for the offensive remarks had been banned.

The organizers also clarified that these individuals would not be permitted to participate in future competitions. Here is what they posted:

What did the streamers say? Overwatch League vows for inclusivity

The Overwatch World Cup 2023 qualifiers experienced a troubling incident when two streamers were observed mocking a transgender caster. This occurrence triggered swift and widespread criticism, resulting in the players being banned from all official Blizzard esports programs.

During the event, the streamers who directed derogatory remarks at the caster were engaged in a watch party for Saudi Arabia's team. Their actions came to light after a player from Team Poland exposed their behavior following the game. Here's what the perpetrators said:

The organizers took decisive action by banning those individuals involved. Additionally, they reaffirmed their dedication to fostering an inclusive environment that embraces individuals of all religions and genders. They wrote:

They also emphasized the need for a more positive community and ultimately focused on celebrating the game:

Here's what the community said

The clip featuring the Saudi co-streamers making offensive remarks generated significant criticism from Twitter users. Here are some notable posts:

Despite the controversy surrounding the incident, it is worth noting that Saudi Arabia has been performing exceptionally well in the EMEC qualifiers, achieving an impressive 4-0 win record.

However, this incident serves as a reminder to the broader gaming community about the importance of inclusivity and the need to foster a healthier and more welcoming space for all participants.

About the author

Shreyan is an esports and gaming journalist at Sportskeeda, focusing on streamer content. He holds a Master's degree in English Literature, and journalism was the most logical next step for him. Although titles like FIFA 08 and GTA San Andreas acted as the catalyst for his love of video games, the exponential growth of the streaming community also propelled his interest in the genre. He also has a prior work experience of 2 years.

Shreyan considers factual and accurate content to be the most important as a creator and a reader. He ensures this by double checking every piece of information in his articles and sourcing it from streamers directly rather than depend on third parties. His works have caught the attention of the heavyweights, with the PR team of Sidemen (a YouTube group he’s been following since his teenage days) and Chess.com reaching out to him for sending exclusive press releases.

Shreyan would love to drop into the virtual world of FIFA/EA FC and explore it further but, he would recommend playing Red Dead Redemption 2 to gaming skeptics for its top-tier gameplay, story and characters. During his downtime, he enjoys balancing his interests in reading, watching films and sports, and of course, playing video games.

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