It’s been over a week since Twitch streamer Dr Disrespect was suspended, shocking the gaming community. Rumors and speculation have been rife since his apparent permanent ban, but things are not yet clear – here’s what we know so far.
Dr Disrespect had become the self-proclaimed ‘Face of Twitch’. Portrayed by Guy Beahm, the personality’s over-the-top 80s action hero character and his movie-level production made him a hit with viewers.
On June 26, reports claimed the streamer had been permanently banned. This comes fresh off the steamer having just signed a multi-year contract with the Amazon-owned company in March.
Dr Disrespect banned from Twitch
Dr Disrespect’s account suspension was first reported by Twitch Partner ban tracking account ‘StreamerBans’ at 12:01PM on Twitter.
Soon after, Twitch sent out an official statement to outlets including Dexerto that said “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.”
Outside of stating that Doc had “acted in violation” of Community Guidelines, no explanation was given as to what he had done.
However, soon after, industry insider Rod ‘Slasher’ Breslau tweeted out “Sources: DrDisrespect has been permanently banned from Twitch” before following up to clarify “Sources: it is not DMCA.”
Sources: it is not DMCA
— Rod Breslau (@Slasher) June 26, 2020
Dr Disrespect responds
On the evening of June 27, a day after his suspension from Twitch, the streamer finally broke his silence with a statement on Twitter.
“Champions Club, Twitch has not notified me on the specific reason behind their decision,” he said. “Firm handshakes to all for the support during this difficult time.”
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
— Dr Disrespect (@drdisrespect) June 28, 2020
He did not, however, confirm how long the ban would last, or if it was permanent. Though, if Twitch has yet to confirm the reason, they may not have disclosed the length either.
Twitch community reacts to the news
As reports began to come out that alleged that the streamer’s ban from Twitch was permanent, Beahm’s close friend and collaborator Timothy ‘TimTheTatman’ Betar reacted to the news during a live broadcast. “When I was talking to Doc, all he said was that he was talking to Twitch to figure out what happened,” he said.
“He’s talking to Twitch to figure out what happened.”
TimTheTatman says Dr Disrespect is in talks with Twitch to try and find out why he’s been banned. pic.twitter.com/5BGpALWNPH
— DEXERTO.COM (@Dexerto) June 26, 2020
Streamer and former Twitch Staff member ‘ShannonZKiller’ further fueled speculation on social media, when she claimed to know why the star was banned and said it was “serious” in a now-deleted tweet. “From my own sources: Doc is indeed done, and not just on Twitch. I know why and cannot say. But this is serious,” she said.
Slasher later updated everyone on what he knew. “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 dont feel comfortable with it currently,” he said.
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
— Rod Breslau (@Slasher) June 27, 2020
Twitch refunds Dr Disrespect subscriptions
Hours after the Two-Time Champion had been banned, viewers began to report that Twitch had refunded their subscriptions to his channel, as well as removing his emotes from the platform.
Twitch have cancelled subscriptions to Dr Disrespect's channel and are sending out refunds. His emotes are also no longer available.
Here's the email sent out to all subs: pic.twitter.com/YPBkzoV7nP
— DEXERTO.COM (@Dexerto) June 27, 2020
This was a significant indicator that his ban was in fact permanent, as temporary suspensions typically do not result in subscriptions being refunded.
Mrs Assassin speaks out and thanks fans
Dr Disrespect’s wife, known as ‘Mrs Assassin’, spoke out though an Instagram story late on June 26. In the statement, she thanked fans for their “love, support, strength, and kindness.”
While the letter didn’t reveal anything further, it was the first time anyone had heard anything from within Doc’s camp. Mrs Assassin has often been featured as a character during his livestreams.
Doc’s last stream
Social media was sent into a frenzy when footage from Doc’s last stream was uploaded to YouTube and sparked confusion. In the clip, the streamer suddenly goes quiet and says “I appreciate everyone watching today. We’ll get through this Champions Club. I know it’s tough, life’s weird right now. We’ll get through this okay. And uh…f**k,” before abruptly ending his broadcast.
(Topic starts at 7:35.)
Dexerto will keep you updated on all the latest news regarding Dr Disrespect’s supposedly permanent ban from Twitch.
