Call of DutyLeague Caster Momo has been fired from Activision Blizzard following sexual assault allegations against him, he announced on Twitter this morning.
Ina slew of sexual misconduct accusations within the gaming industry, the community has seen dozens of professional gamers, journalists, and developers let go from their job positions or banned from Twitch in what looks to be another wave of the #MeToo movement.
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In contrast to others' stories such asTwitch streamer SayNoToRage, who was all over the internet just a few days ago, it looks like the allegations regardingCall of Dutycaster Momo, also known as Phil Whitfield, were handled much more quietly. But via Twitter linking out to a short essay on Twitlonger, Whitfield confirms that he was in fact terminated from Activision Blizzard due to the allegations, effective June 30th.
According to Whitfield, the conclusion of his employment came after complaints from female members of the gaming community were passed toActivision Blizzard. But, for confidentiality reasons, he’s unable to disclose the specific details of the allegations as well as those involved with the case. He does, however, note that he had been “trying his luck” with these women who had not solicited his attention but defends himself by saying that he had not known at the time he was making these women uncomfortable, otherwise he would not have been flirting with them.
Still, Whitfield does take a level of responsibility in the accusations, saying “The person I was back then is not the person I am now. I take full ownership for my misjudgment and would stress how sorry I am for my conduct.” He hopes to anyone reading the message that they believe his words and is thankful to those for having given him support.
Whitfield’s termination follows the previous lashing out at Activision on social media by some who believed the company was making an attempt to sweep it under the rug. Fans were quick to note Whitfield’s absence on Twitter, which lead some to believe a couple of days ago that he had in fact been let go by Activision. Others complained that Activision didn’t make the termination public and claim that professionals in the esports industry were already aware of the news.
In addition to Momo’s termination, it looks like gaming companies all over have been taking the accusations very seriously as well as taking responsibility for their employees and partnerships, as recently seenin regards to the EVO cancellation. And unfortunately for the gaming community, it looks like these sexual misconduct cases won’t be coming to a close anytime soon.
