Large parts of the American Twitch community are currently embroiled in a huge mudslinging contest. Everyone is throwing wild accusations around, and onlookers are relishing the drama. The real victims are overlooked, says Twitch streamer Emily ‘Emiru’ Schunk, who expressed her thoughts in an emotional stream.
Content Warning: This article discusses sexual harassment and assault. If this topic makes you uncomfortable, it’s better not to continue reading.
This is what it’s about: Last week, one controversy after another erupted on Twitch. What started as a discussion about gambling on the platform quickly escalated into a scandal surrounding sexual harassment.
At the center of it all was the gaming organization One True King (OTK). One of the organization’s co-founders, Matthew ‘Mizkif’ Rinaudo, came under criticism. He allegedly covered up sexual assaults by his friend, streamer ‘CrazySlick’.
His OTK colleague Zack ‘Asmongold’ even threatened to cut off all contact with him if Mizkif did not distance himself from Slick. OTK has since suspended Mizkif and plans to investigate internally.
Now, an internal Discord call involving the streamers has also leaked to the public, which was never meant to be shown. Every second of the drama is being analyzed and commented on in the popular subreddit LivestreamFail.
No one cares about what happens to girls on Twitch
Who has spoken out now? Streamer Emily ‘Emiru’ Schunk was actually proud of having stayed out of any Twitch drama for years. However, as the only female member of OTK and roommate of Mizkif and Slick, many wanted to hear her opinion.
In a heartbreaking stream, Emiru shared her perspective – and criticized the handling of the topic of sexual assaults.
Emiru accuses other streamers of profiting from the scandal. The real victims of sexual harassment seem completely unimportant to them. She notes that the topic is only brought up when it suits them, Emiru says.
I may be going a bit too far here, but no one else is saying it. Many streamers involved – I don’t think you care about what happens to girls on this platform. It sickens me that it only comes to light when it seems like the right time for you. […] That’s disgusting.
Emiru via Twitch
The streamer also hints that sexual harassment on Twitch is generally a significant problem. She doesn’t expect everyone to give attention and support to all victims, as there are just too many.
It is no secret that women on Twitch often receive disgusting messages and lewd comments. Just recently, a case made waves in which a little boy harassed a female streamer – which was seen as funny and provided content.
As early as 2020, many women spoke out about sexism in the gaming industry. The German gaming YouTuber Jasmin ‘Gnu’ Sibel also spoke to MeinMMO about the issues.
Among those affected, female Twitch streamers were particularly well represented, wrote the US magazine The Verge in June 2020. Yet somehow, these scandals seem to be discussed in length only for a short time, then grass grows over the issue, and little changes.
Something that Emiru now seems to criticize. In tears, she addressed the women who were allegedly harassed by Slick. It simply wouldn’t leave her mind.
As someone who has been through all of this – and things I will never tell in a stream: I’m so sorry that you felt like no one was there for you.
Emiru via Twitch
While all this drama unfolds on Twitch, the streaming platform itself is also under criticism:
However, Emiru is glad that the victims have been given the opportunity to share their stories.
Emiru is shaken by what has reportedly happened in her circle
This is what Emiru says about the scandal involving her friends: The fact that her alleged friend Slick has supposedly harassed several women visibly impacted Emiru. After the initial accusations from streamer Adrianah Lee, more women came forward and published screenshots of inappropriate messages Slick allegedly sent to them.
What particularly struck Emiru: She herself has been a victim of sexual assault, moved to Austin, Texas to escape a stalker – only to end up sharing a house with another perpetrator.
Additionally, she shared her own experiences with Slick. The fact that he acted understanding towards her while he was allegedly harassing women deeply affected her. Emiru said she felt lied to and betrayed.
And Mizkif? Emiru defended him. She can’t imagine Mizkif being capable of something like that. Mizkif has always been there for her, even when they hardly knew each other and she didn’t know where she could go.
The Miz I know would never have known the whole story and allowed it to happen. It’s simply not possible that he knew about it. I’m sorry, that’s simply not the person I know.
Emiru via Twitch
She also made it clear that she never felt unsafe during her time in the shared house and currently has no plans to move out. Everyone is very concerned about her well-being. Slick is said to have left the house by now.
While all this drama unfolds on Twitch, the streaming platform itself is also under criticism:
