It seems that the Overwatch League has once again found itself in hot water due to anti LGBTI+ issues. We first saw Australian viewers exposed to a transphobic anti Safe Schools ad campaign, and now one of the pro League players has made homophobic remarks about a player from an opposing team.
Following their 4-0 win against Dallas Fuel this Thursday, openly gay Houston Outlaws player Austin “Muma” Wilmot used the term “rolled and smoked” to describe their landslide win against Dallas in a post game stream. Dallas Fuel player Félix “xQc” Lengyel, who is known for using this phrase, reacted angrily to the call in his own post game stream. Lengyel said to his viewers:
“No, you didn’t smoke shit. Shut your fucking mouth. Go back there, suck a fat cock. I mean, he would like that.”
Lengyel was quick to recognize he had crossed a line in his stream but Wilmot on his own stream said that he wasn’t bothered by the remark while throwing his own shade back to Lengyel. Taking to Twitter Lengyel apologized for the statement and acknowledge he needs to learn from this, Wilmot also gracious accepted the apology.
No hard feelings at all and I apologize for what I said back. You’re on a great team and I fully expect you to return to full force before playoffs. GL my doggie 😉
— Austin Wilmot (@Muma) January 19, 2018
Even with the interaction between the two players, Dallas Fuel released a statement that Lengyel will not being playing in today’s match against London Spitfire with possible further action to follow.
The team will be taking disciplinary action related to recent comments made by Felix “@xQc” Lengyel. xQc will not be active for tonight’s match. Additional details forthcoming.
— Dallas Fuel (@DallasFuel) January 19, 2018
This kind of behavior is definitely something that needs to be stamped out in the Overwatch League. As we’ve previously said the Overwatch League is aiming to treat itself in the same stead as the professional sports leagues of America. With that in mind the players will need to behave in a way that is complimentary of both their team but also the League as a whole—something that the edgy gamer vibe some streamers are known for won’t mix with.
While we wait to see if more action will be taken the Director of Twitch Studios, Marcus “djWHEAT” Graham, has come out in support of the ban and suspensions while shutting down the excuse of being young and stupid.
I read this as: it’s ok to be racist and disrespectful before you are 25. IT’S NOT OK. It is ABSOLUTELY not OK. https://t.co/yxB4GSTLL9
— djWHEAT (@djWHEAT) January 19, 2018
UPDATE: Lengyel has been suspended for 4 matches and fined $2000, according to the official Overwatch League.
About the Author
Cameron Honey-Swain
Cameron knows what he loves. Witches, animated ducks and a strong burly female protagonist. When he isn't effortlessly defending Dragon Age II he is bothering either his husband or one of his many fur children.
