5 Times When League Of Legends Pro Gamers Got Banned For Se*ual Harassment Charges
The competitive world of esports, including the immensely popular game League of Legends (LoL), has had its share of controversies and scandals over the years. Unfortunately, one recurring issue has been allegations of sexual harassment involving professional gamers. Here are five instances where League of Legends pro players faced bans or suspensions due to such allegations:
1. Kim “Clid” Tae-min (2023):
Team: Hanwha Life Esports (HLE)
Suspension: One-year ban from competitive play
Details: Clid was accused of sexual harassment by two women who made their allegations public on social media. Screenshots of explicit messages and inappropriate behavior circulated, leading to investigations by both the LCK and HLE. Clid received a one-year suspension as a result of the investigation.
2. Li “Vasilii” Wei Jun (2017):
Team: Newbee
Suspension: Indefinite suspension
Details: Vasilii faced backlash after a disturbing livestream incident in which he verbally and physically abused his then-girlfriend. The incident was streamed to thousands of viewers. Following public outrage and community pressure, Newbee indefinitely suspended Vasilii from their roster.
3. Li “Vasilii” Wei Jun (2015):
Team: Vici Gaming
Suspension: Three-month ban
Details: Vasilii found himself in another controversy when he made derogatory and offensive remarks during a solo queue match. His comments, which included threats of violence and sexually explicit language, led to a three-month competitive ban imposed by Riot Games.
4. Kristoffer “P1noy” Pedersen (2015):
Team: Gambit Gaming
Suspension: Four-game suspension
Details: P1noy was suspended for four games after using explicit language in the in-game chat during a match. While his suspension was not directly related to sexual harassment, it highlighted the need for maintaining a respectful and sportsmanlike environment in competitive play.
5. Li “Vasilii” Wei Jun (2014):
Team: LMQ (later known as Team Impulse)
Suspension: Temporary suspension
Details: Vasilii’s recurring behavioral issues came to the forefront when he was temporarily suspended by his team. Although this suspension wasn’t directly tied to sexual harassment, it was indicative of the player’s volatile behavior and conduct.
These cases underline the importance of addressing and taking swift action against misconduct within the esports industry. While professional gaming offers opportunities for talent to shine, it also places a spotlight on players’ behavior, making it crucial to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all participants. As the esports scene continues to grow, it’s essential for organizations and governing bodies to enforce strict codes of conduct to prevent such incidents and protect the integrity of the sport.
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