While Twitch’s latest string of bans has focused on removing creators facing sexual abuse allegations from its platform, it also appears to be taking a firmer stance on violent and hateful speech. Twitch recently made headlines for indefinitely suspending ex-YouTuber Leafy, and now it’s taken action against one of its own controversial figures. According to the streamer Steven “Destiny” Bonnell, Twitch has revoked his partnership for “encouragement of violence” in a recent stream.
One recent tweet enclosed a screenshot from Destiny, who claims that Twitch’s legal department was responsible for his removal. Following high-profile bans, like that of Dr. Disrespect, social media users will frequently claim that the Twitch legal department is overriding the company’s partnership and ban moderators. Although Destiny claims that Twitch did not specify which statement justified its latest decision, Reddit users on the LivestreamFail subreddit quickly found a clip that might explain Twitch’s recent move.
In the Twitch clip, Destiny condemns the ongoing protests and riots, and claimed that they “need to… stop,” even if it required violence. Specifically, Destiny claimed that if white nationalists started “mowing down” protesters in order to stop them, he personally would approve of their actions.
Although some fans complained about Twitch’s failure to punish other streamers who made similar statements, people were quick to point out that the most frequently compared streamer, HasanAbi, also makes sure to clarify that despite voicing inflammatory thoughts regularly on stream, he is not a proponent of real-life violence for any reason. Thus, Reddit users are arguing that the removal was a matter of optics rather than favoritism.
As for Destiny’s next moves following the unpartnering, several fans speculate that the streamer will use this opportunity to capitalize on his YouTube audience. Without the Twitch partnership, Destiny can now simultaneously stream on YouTube and Twitch and draw in more revenue. However, Twitch viewers will have to wait and see whether or not Destiny’s statements bring any additional backlash or consequences.
Source: KoolBoyQ/Reddit
