Fresh accusations have surfaced with online discussions swirling with new claims surrounding popular streamer Herschel “Guy” Beahm IV (popular by the name Dr DisRespect). The controversy began when former Twitch employee Cody Conners claimed that a high-profile streamer was banned in late June 2020 for inappropriate conversations with a minor via Twitch DMs. Although the streamer wasn’t named, many, including influencer Jake Lucky, believe the allegations are linked to Dr DisRespect.
On June 21, Conners alleged that the unnamed streamer messaged a minor on Twitch Whisper, planning to meet at a TwitchCon event. These messages were reportedly available for Twitch executives to see. Dr DisRespect, banned from Twitch in 2020 with no public explanation, quickly became the centre of speculation. Surprisingly, the ban became public shortly after Twitch had updated its sexual harassment policy and right after Dr Disrespect had signed a significant two-year exclusivity contract with Twitch.
Despite a four-year lapse, the justification for the ban continues to be a mystery. Though rumors have circulated, no one has come forward to definitively explain the decision. Dr DisRespect addressed these rumors, stating on Twitter: “I didn’t do anything wrong. All this has been probed and settled. Nothing illegal, no wrongdoing was found, and I was paid.” He reiterated his stance during an Elden Ring stream on June 24, announcing a pre-planned vacation due to feeling “fatigued” and “burnt out.”
Shortly after, Midnight Society, the game development studio co-founded by Dr DisRespect, announced it was severing ties with him. The studio emphasized the need to act with dignity for its developers and their families, citing the new allegations as the reason for their decision.
The original 2020 ban came shortly after Dr DisRespect signed a new contract with Twitch. Despite resolving a legal dispute in 2022, neither party admitted to any wrongdoing. Since then, Dr DisRespect has continued streaming on YouTube.
Nicmercs and other big streamers has also given their reactions to Dr Disrespect stepping away from streaming.
As these allegations unfold, the streaming community remains divided, with some supporting Dr DisRespect and others awaiting further developments.
