The streamer Marcel “MontanaBlack” Eris is banned from Twitch for 33 days. In a video, he explains how embarrassing the ban is for him and how much he regrets his behavior. But a few days later, he seems to provoke Twitch. In an action with fellow streamers such as unsympathisch_tv and Trymacs, his gaming spot was suddenly visible on Twitch again.
This is the backstory:
- Marcel “MontanaBlack” Eris is by far the largest German streamer. He cultivated the image of a “former junkie” with rough language, who came from the streets and became a YouTube star. Like a rapper, MontanaBlack likes to flaunt his financial success.
- MontanaBlack was banned from Twitch for 33 days on September 24, after he misbehaved on vacation in Malta, taking photos of a woman from afar and making caveman sounds when he spotted attractive women.
- He accepted this ban and understood the public outrage over his behavior. He said that he regretted his actions. It was all terribly embarrassing for him. He would now reflect on this.
“That’s not me”
This is what MontanaBlack said first: In a nearly 10-minute video after his ban, MontanaBlack fully admitted his guilt. He said that when he looked back at the clips, he also found his behavior simply embarrassing and inappropriate.
MontanaBlack says:
“And I’m extremely embarrassed, dude. I tell you honestly: I am extremely embarrassed about how all this came to be. It’s just uncomfortable for me, dude.”
MontanaBlack
At the moment when the scenes were created, he didn’t think anything of it. He got carried away by how good he felt on vacation and wanted to entertain the viewers.
However, his behavior was unacceptable, he says. There is nothing to argue about that. But that was not really him that one saw: “That’s not me,” he repeatedly said.
He actually just wants to do his thing on Twitch in peace. Also to say things that might rub people the wrong way, but in general “not be a pain in the ass.”
The streamer then elaborated on how much he enjoys streaming on Twitch, how much it means to him, and how hard it is for him to keep his feet still for 30 days now. Because “streaming is my life.”
Additionally, he is incredibly impatient: waiting now for 30 days until he can stream again is extremely difficult for him. Each day feels like it stretches on endlessly when he is waiting for something.
This was the latest action: A few days ago, a live stream suddenly appeared on the channel of unsympathisch_tv: There, the streamer was seen clearly streaming from MontanaBlack’s spot.
Next to him, Trymacs, one of the largest German streamers on Twitch, was seen.
The streamers made numerous allusions, saying that they had taken over the house from a “former tenant.” It still had a lot of unnecessary stuff in it. They were going to open a few packs in FIFA 21 and then hold a “real talk” – all typical things that MontanaBlack usually does.
It was apparently the case that MontanaBlack was in the room and sitting outside of the camera’s view. He was not allowed to appear on camera because that would violate his ban.
For 25 minutes, there were allusions, laughter, and gags. Time and again, they made side jabs at MontanaBlack and his habits. It was mentioned that they wanted to place some slot machines in the apartment. In the pad, it smelled of stale cigarette smoke and casino. And besides, one could only think of free spins there.
The streamers made a joke out of dancing on Twitch’s nose and balancing on the edges of the ban.
The streamers admitted to actually having little content. They had “only driven through half of Germany” for the one joke.
A video related to the action on YouTube has already garnered almost a million views.
German streamers play with fire in the gag
This makes it so precarious: Twitch expressly prohibits streamers from having live contact with banned streamers. This rule was only recently tightened further in response to the ban of Dr Disrespect, with which streamers still had contact.
In the rules for circumventing a ban on Twitch, it states:
All bans are binding until the expiration of the respective period or until lifted following a successful appeal. Attempts to circumvent an account ban or a chat ban by using other accounts, identities, or by being present in another user’s account will also lead to the banning of your accounts, up to and including a permanent ban.
Additionally, it is forbidden to use your channel to knowingly present or promote a banned user. We understand that situations may arise where banned users appear in your stream due to circumstances beyond your control, e.g., through third-party gaming tournaments, but we expect you to do your best to remove them from your broadcast, mute them, or otherwise restrict their interactions with your stream.
From the rules of Twitch
Twitch does not want “banned streamers” on the platform in any form. Circumventing a ban is clearly prohibited.
By constantly referencing MontanaBlack in his stream without technically violating the rules, unsympathisch_tv’s actions were a risky gag.
The streamers did not violate the exact wording of the rule, but certainly went against its spirit. With a bit of bad luck, Twitch could interpret it as if they were presenting or promoting a banned user.
They probably speculate that Twitch will look the other way and understand it as a joke.
Despite all the remorse, MontanaBlack remains true to his image. In the video, he also emphasized that he does not want to be a streamer like all the others. A bit of resistance against the rules seems to be part of it.
The actions of MontanaBlack caused public outrage a few weeks ago. On Twitter, several users complained extensively about what kind of role model MontanaBlack is for the youth. We reported on MeinMMO:
MontanaBlack makes Neanderthal calls against women – Would consider Twitch ban okay
