2020 Super Smash Bros. sexual misconduct allegations: Difference between revisions

In July 2020, '''numerous allegations of sexual misconduct''' were risen on over 125 members of the ''Super Smash Bros.'' community, including some of the game's most well-known professional players, commentators, tournament organizers, and content creators. The accusations included instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual abuse of minors. The initial response was swift among the Internet, with all of  the ''Super Smash Bros.'' community, the wider eSports scene, major mainstream media outlets, as well as Nintendo, expressing shock and outrage at the allegations. Many of the accused players were banned from entering tournaments and isolated and removed from the community, and discussion was quickly sparked on preventing further misconduct at ''Smash'' events. Since the initial wave, more details have come out regarding a number of cases, some revealed to have been partially or entirely fabricated, reigniting a long held discussion about the greater issues with the ''Smash'' community..

Throughout the 2010s, sexual misconduct allegations had been levied against many notable members in the community, with notable examples being {{Sm|Alex Strife}}, the head TO of the {{Trn|Apex}} series; {{Sm|Lolex}}, the head TO of the {{Trn|B.E.A.S.T|series}} series; and {{Sm|Hyuga}}, the best ''[[Smash 4]]'' {{SSB4|Toon Link}} player at that time. These allegations were often posted on Twitter in the form of a TwitLonger, and consisted of a description of events as well as screenshots of evidence such as text messages and DMs. In addition, other TwitLongers are often posted, usually from the accused and others who were involved in the case. Depending on whether sufficient evidence was provided to prove the accused was guilty, tournament organizers can choose to issue a ban.

However, most incidents that occurred before 2020 were considered isolated and unconnected from each other, and as such aside from severe cases such as Alex Strife, bans were mostly relegated to certain regions or tournament series, which could lead to further controversy over whether a player was allowed to attend an event. This is most notable with Hyuga, who was allowed to compete in Mexico after his one year ban and with some players believing he had served his punishment, but continued to be suspended from several events in the United States, including {{Trn|Clutch City Clash 2}} and events held by {{Team|2GGaming}}, as many other players believed a player like him shouldn't be welcomed back to the community.  

Since the initial wave and ensuing fallout, more information and testimony came out over time that gave more context to the situations described in the allegations.

Mr. E challenged the allegations against ANTi in a Twitlonger he posted in late August 2020.<ref>https://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1srchqv</ref> He stated that, though ANTi was ultimately at fault for not checking for identification before initiating the sexual encounter, there was no indication that ANTi himself was aware of her age, as per his initial statement. ANTi found her on Tinder, which requires members to be at least 18 years of age to register, so Mr. E concluded that ANTi had little reason to be suspicious until they met in person. Mr. E's statement garnered significant backlash from the community and he would eventually lose his sponsor over it. He would go on to admit that he fully expected backlash but wanted to stand up for what he believed was right.