Zack Hoyt, known as Asmongold and ZackRawrr in the online streaming world, has found himself embroiled in controversy once again. Famous for his World of Warcraft streams, Hoyt has previously sparked outrage by mocking Hurricane Katrina survivors and defending the use of derogatory language. Recently, his remarks on the Gaza conflict have drawn renewed criticism, leading to his suspension from Twitch.
Why Was Asmongold Suspended from Twitch?
While Twitch typically avoids disclosing specific reasons for bans, Hoyt’s suspension came after a live stream where he made inflammatory remarks about Palestinians. During the stream, he stated, “I don’t give a f***. They’re terrible people,” and referred to their culture as “inferior.” This sparked outrage online, with many demanding his suspension.
Twitch, citing violations of its hateful conduct policy, deactivated Hoyt’s ZackRawrr channel. The channel remains suspended, while Hoyt’s primary account, inactive since June 2023, was unaffected. Hoyt’s ban is reported to last two weeks.
As Hoyt made these comments, global news outlets were reporting on Israel’s offensive in northern Gaza, with the United Nations highlighting concerns of a potential genocide. Many creators and industry figures expressed shock at Hoyt’s words. Daniel Ahmad, a well-known commentator, remarked on social media, “What’s sad is millions of Americans believe this about black and brown people outside of the global north.” Others mocked Hoyt for his unkempt streaming environment .
Notably, Hoyt’ partners also condemned his rhetoric. Tips Out, a co-founder of One True King (OTK), where Hoyt holds a leadership role, shared his personal experience of discrimination as the son of Syrian immigrants. The day after the livestream, OTK released a statement on X, announcing that Hoyt would be stepping down from his positions at OTK and related businesses .
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Asmongold Makes an Apology Video
In response to the backlash, Hoyt posted an apology video on YouTube. He expressed regret over his past behavior, acknowledging that some of his actions had been “indefensible.” Hoyt also confirmed his resignation from OTK and Starforge Systems. While some praised his accountability, others remain skeptical of any lasting change. Hours after his apology, Hoyt clarified in a Reddit post that he intends to be “more positive” but isn’t fundamentally altering his approach.
