The gaming studio Midnight Society, known for developing the shooter Deadrop, has recently severed ties with its founder Herschel Beahm, better known as Dr Disrespect in the online world. The reason behind this decision stems from allegations that Beahm engaged in sexual communication with a minor in 2020, specifically through private messages on Twitch. This led to Twitch issuing him a lifetime ban in the same year, prompting Beahm to engage in a legal battle with the platform until it was settled out of court in 2022. However, it seems that the true reason behind his ban has now come to light, thanks to former Twitch employee Cody Conners, who revealed the details on social media last week.
Conners, who previously worked as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Twitch until 2023, disclosed that Beahm was caught sexting a minor through Twitch’s private messaging feature and was attempting to meet up with the individual at TwitchCon. This revelation shed light on the ambiguous circumstances surrounding Beahm’s ban, confirming the suspicions that had been circulating within the gaming community.
Following Conners‘ disclosure, Midnight Society swiftly responded by announcing the termination of Beahm’s employment. In a statement, the developers expressed their awareness of the situation and emphasized their commitment to upholding principles and standards within the studio. Despite initially assuming Beahm’s innocence, they deemed it necessary to sever ties with him to safeguard the well-being of their 55 employees and their families.
Upon learning of his dismissal during a livestream of Elden Ring, Dr Disrespect appeared visibly shaken and fatigued. He candidly addressed the situation, acknowledging his exhaustion and hinting at the possibility of taking an extended break from social media and streaming. He also hinted at the prospect of parting ways with Midnight Society, hinting at a potential hiatus from his streaming career.
In response to the unfolding events, Beahm took to social media to defend himself, asserting that the matter had been resolved two years prior and that he had not committed any wrongdoing. Despite receiving compensation from Twitch for the premature termination of his contract, Beahm’s explanations fell short of convincing Midnight Society, leading to the ultimate decision to sever ties with him.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the future of Dr Disrespect’s streaming career remains uncertain. The repercussions of these events may mark a definitive turning point in the career of one of the most renowned streamers in the industry. Only time will tell how this incident will shape the trajectory of his career and reputation in the gaming community.