#i think the twitter format just makes those difficult. or people harass them too much

[aevris]

starting to see content scraper “hourly [mammal]” accounts pop back up here that post a bunch of pictures of wild animals being kept as pets. go back from whence ye came, twitter filth

[amplifiedesq]

Where Things Stand with Dr. Disrespect’s Twitch Ban

Last Friday (6/26/2020) news broke in the afternoon that Dr. Disrespect had been banned from Twitch. Details are still scarce as to why he was banned, but that hasn’t stopped everyone from trying to figure it out on their own. Suffice to say, there’s a lot of bullshit out there right now. In making this post I hope to provide accurate information as to where rumors got started, what facts we actually know, and what seems likely based on any actual reporting being done. So, let’s start with what we know from the two parties involved: Twitch and Dr. Disrespect himself.

What Twitch Has Stated

Per Zach Bussey’s tweet at https://twitter.com/zachbussey/status/1276620223576186880 and Shannon Liao’s tweet at https://twitter.com/Shannon_Liao/status/1276617617730568195, Twitch’s official statement reads:

As is our process, we take appropriate action when we have evidence that a streamer has acted in violation of our Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. These apply to all streamers regardless of status or prominence in the community.

Twitch has provided no further public comment since Friday on this matter, but they did refund Twitch users their costs associated with an active Dr. Disrespect subscription.

What Dr. Disrespect Has Stated

Dr. Disrespect has made one statement through his Twitter account, https://twitter.com/drdisrespect/status/1277060051744591872, it reads:

Champions Club, 

 Twitch has not notified me on the specific reason behind their decision... Firm handshakes to all for the support during this difficult time. 

 -Dr Disrespect

This statement was made late Saturday night, nothing else has been said by Dr. Disrespect at this time.

Also, while not directly referencing anything, video have been posted of the final 8 or so minutes of his most recent stream before the ban. It can be viewed at https://youtu.be/yxGBwDVmzRA. I can’t say I have personally seen the end of too many Dr. Disrespect streams, but there are some strange moments in this for sure. 

For example, at the 1:58 mark he reaches for what seems like his pocket, looks down at something (presumably a cell phone), and seems pretty shook for the next 20 or so seconds, before going back into character. Around the 4:30 mark he appears to mute himself while telling someone in the room to hold off (he did mention his wife was in the room shortly before). Then, around the 8 minute mark he abruptly cuts off the stream after sighing/making some other similar noise and saying fuck”. Not to mention the discussion about conspiracy theorist David Icke and the watching of Roblox video while seemingly trying to collect himself. It was overall very strange in my opinion and seems telling that something was definitely going on.

What Was Being Reported Friday (the day of the ban)

When news broke Rod Breslau, better known as Slasher, was at the forefront for additional news he broke on the matter at https://twitter.com/Slasher/status/1276613302483812352. The tweet reads: 

Sources: it is not DMCA

One of the popular theories when the ban came down was that this ban had to be DMCA related (so popular that DMCA was a trending topic on Twitter much of the afternoon). This tweet put that theory to rest.

Slasher also went on to post the following tweet in regard to the ban (https://twitter.com/Slasher/status/1276742960286183424): 

look: for several hours now I have been told from credible sources the reason DrDisrespect has been banned. however due to the importance and sensitivity around the subject I have refrained from going on it. i don't feel comfortable with it currently

A similar statement was tweeted by Twitch streamer ShannonZKiller that stated: 

From my own sources: Doc is indeed done, and not just on Twitch. I know why and cannot say. But this is serious.

While the Tweet has since been deleted, it of course lives on thanks to the internet (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EbeE7tkX0AIc8oT?format=jpg&name=large). Shannon did provide the following explanation for deleting the tweet (https://twitter.com/ShannonZKiller/status/1276634901643747329): 

Hey, I totally get that it turns out ppl didn't want more confirmation that it is a permanent ban without the reason and felt the tweet was clout chasing, so I will respect those perspectives and delete the tweet. 

 Thanks for putting me in check!

I don’t recall seeing, nor am I finding now, any other reports that provide additional details outside of this being 1) a permanent ban; 2) not DMCA related; and (according to two individuals) 3) a serious/sensitive matter.

The Rumor Mill

With no clear information pertaining to the reason behind the ban it has left those interested to come up with their own theories and push them out to the masses. From what I have seen the following theories are the most popular right now:

1) A new streaming service

2) Highlighting Conspiracy Theories

3) A Sexual Assault Allegation

A New Streaming Service

This theory keeps gaining steam, though I don’t think anyone is convinced of just what that new streaming service is. One theory provides for a new service called “Brime”. Another provides for a Spotify backed service. Seeing as Dr. Disrespect just signed a multiyear deal with Twitch in March to remain on the service (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/dr-disrespect-signs-multi-year-deal-stay-twitch-1283878) this seems highly unlikely in my opinion. Why would a new start-up risk a tortious interference claim against them that could trouble them before they even got started?

Highlighting Conspiracy Theories

Dr. Disrespect has dabbled in conspiracy theories on multiple streams, not just his last one. He had one strike against him on Twitch already, but that related to filming in a bathroom during E3. The Twitch Terms of Service read:

you will not:  

 i. create, upload, transmit, distribute, or store any content that is inaccurate, unlawful, infringing, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, invasive of privacy or publicity rights, harassing, threatening, abusive, inflammatory, or otherwise objectionable;

While the creation of content that is inaccurate is a violation of the terms of service, it seems far fetched that the conspiracy theory talk on his last stream is what landed him a permanent ban. It certainly seemed like something was up prior to those topics being brought up. I’ve also seen him watch conspiracy theory YouTube videos live on stream in the past with no ban following, so in my opinion this one also seems like a stretch.

A Sexual Assault Allegation

Prior to Dr. Disrespect’s ban, sexual assault allegations against streamers and Twitch’s role in it was the main topic of discussion in the industry for the week. Wired has an article up detailing much of what transpired in this area at https://www.wired.com/story/twitch-streaming-metoo-reckoning-sexual-misconduct-allegations/.

With all the allegations that were popping up Twitch felt the need to respond and made a post on their blog on June 24th: https://blog.twitch.tv/en/2020/06/24/an-update-to-our-community/. Part of the statement reads:

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.

So, just two days before Dr. Disrespect’s ban Twitch issued a statement involving their investigations into sexual abuse and harassment that had a line that states: “We’ve prioritized the most severe cases and will begin issuing permanent suspensions in line with our findings immediately.”

On top of that, you have two (non-random) people on Twitter who claimed this to be a sensitive/serious matter (granted, neither would provide details and could easily have just been trying to draw attention to themselves). Of all the theories going around, this would seem to be the most likely of any of them. That said, like some of the other cases popping up, there is no identified victim here or public accusation. As such, it remains just a theory at this time. 

Conclusion

With Twitch staying silent on the matter it’s next to impossible to fully understand what has happened here and why Dr. Disrespect is banned. Maybe as this week goes on some of the reporters that claim inside knowledge will get comfortable with their sources and/or find out more details to expand upon their original tweets. For the time being we’re stuck not knowing for sure and it’s basically giving the content creators that thrive on gossip plenty of fodder for their following.