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Popular Twitch streamer and FaZe Clan co-owner Nick ‘NICKMERCS’ Kolcheff has been met with criticism over his comment regarding Pride Month being recognized in schools.
His statement that “little kids” should be left alone has sparked an uproar in the online gaming community.
Incident Triggers Debate over Pride Month in Schools
The controversy began when a tweet showing a large brawl outside a school went viral on June 7.
The incident, resulting in three arrests, was reportedly a fallout of the school board’s decision to acknowledge June as Pride Month. Puckett, the esports casting legend, lamented that the situation near his former residence was indicative of the sad state of affairs in America.
NICKMERCS responded to Puckett’s tweet, opining that “little children” should be left alone. The gaming community quickly interpreted his comment as an anti-LGBTQ+ stance, sparking significant backlash.
Gaming Community Reacts to NICKMERCS’ Statement
Several prominent figures in the esports industry disagreed with NICKMERCS’ viewpoint.
Puckett posed a question to Kolcheff, asking for clarification on the mysterious “they” he referred to and what this group was purportedly doing that was so detrimental.
The goal of most advocates, Puckett argued, is to reduce child suicides through acceptance and destigmatization of difference.
OpTic Hutch echoed this sentiment, arguing that claims of a perceived LGBTQ+ threat to children were neither new nor valid.
Legendary esports host Goldenboy expressed disappointment in NICKMERCS, emphasizing the importance of teaching tolerance and acceptance to all ages.
Apex Legends Community Responds to Controversy
Nick’s controversial tweet also caused a stir among the Apex Legends community, where he is well-known. Accusations of NICKMERCS broadcasting a “thinly veiled anti-LGBTQ dog whistle during Pride Month” surfaced.
VEXED Coach “Loopy” vowed not to participate in or watch any future MFAM events, NICKMERCS’ gaming tournaments, accusing him of bigotry.
Other prominent figures in the community, such as Apex streamer Hamb1no and developer Oscar Aguirre, voiced their disappointment and critiqued Nick’s statement as harmful and ignorant.
Luciian, a trans Apex player who had played with Nick before, expressed her heartbreak at his comment, revealing her previous positive experiences with NICKMERCS and his community.
FaZe Clan and NICKMERCS Silent Amidst Controversy
As of now, NICKMERCS has neither addressed his comment nor the ensuing backlash, though he did ‘like’ tweets from supporters defending his stance. FaZe Clan, which counts NICKMERCS as a co-owner, has yet to comment on the controversy.
The fallout from this incident underscores the importance of respectful discourse and empathy within the online gaming community, particularly in regard to matters of identity and inclusivity.
