Panda Global releases Street Fighter pro following domestic abuse allegations
Stephanie Lindgren - Combo Breaker / Panda GlobalEsports team Panda Global has released professional Street Fighter V player and Evolution champion Lee ‘Infiltration’ Seon-woo from their ranks, following an investigation into multiple domestic abuse allegations against the player.
PG’s investigation into the issue, which occurred after a series of allegations against Infiltration went live on Reddit in September of 2018 (the majority of which were disproved), confirmed a documented altercation that occurred on October 22nd, 2017.
According to a timeline of events provided by the org, this physical altercation occurred between Infiltration and his then-wife, which was recorded in an audio file. The event led to a restraining order against the player and injury to his ex-wife, as well as the equivalent of a U.S. misdemeanor battery charge toward Infiltration.
Infiltration has since come forward with a statement denying any claims of abuse, writing that he will “explain everything later.” However, PG has decidedly terminated their contract with the player, harshly decrying the violent incident proven by Korean court documents.
“Regardless of the circumstances, this charge exists on his record,” PG CEO and founder Dr. Alan Bunney stated in a video addressing the charge. “As such, Panda Global has terminated our contract with Infiltration.”
Street Fighter developer Capcom have likewise come forward with a statement on the issue, confirming that Infiltration has “voluntarily withdrawn” from the remainder of the 2018 Capcom Pro Tour and the following 2019 Tour.
This marks a “first offense” for the player, and should he commit a second offense, Capcom stated that he will receive a lifetime ban from any official Street Fighter competitions within the CPT.