G2 Esports CEO Carlos “Ocelote” Santiago is under fire for appearing to party with controversial red pill influencer Andrew Tate.
In a video of G2 celebrating a win posted on Ocelote’s account, Andrew Tate can be seen within the crowd smoking a cigar. The esports community immediately noticed Tate popping champagne in the video, condemning the team for associating with such an offensive person who has been banned from almost all social media platforms for multiple violations of community guidelines, including hate speech policies.
HAHA imagine openly being friends with a sex trafficker the entire internet hates and trying to flex about it
— Sarah Enders ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿🏳️🌈 (@Sendersno2) September 17, 2022
Ocelote did not back down, however, stating that nobody should “police” his friendships. The tweet was met with anger from esports fans and professionals alike, who became even angrier at Ocelote’s flippant behavior. Many pointed out that G2 would also suffer from Ocelote’s decision, since many would associate the organization with Tate’s misogynistic behaviors.
People will not be able to police another person's friendship
However, people WILL be able to feel dissapointed by that person's choice of friendship, the initiative to double down on publicizing it. People will be able to judge you and consequently G2 for it
— Ashley Kang (@AshleyKang) September 18, 2022
There's no way you didn't predict this reaction.
You posted a video partying with a known misogynist who calls women property. It's misguided at best and engagement bait most likely.
This is fucking low man, party with who you want but expect people to judge you for it.
— Medic (@MedicCasts) September 17, 2022
G2 Esports became aware of what was going on and released a public statement; the organization apologized, also announcing the CEO’s eight week suspension without pay.
“Last night we failed you,” G2 wrote. “The actions of our CEO spoke a language in stark contrast with the values and the culture G2 lives by and strives for. And for that, we apologize.”
— G2 Esports (@G2esports) September 18, 2022
Several in the community reacted to Ocelote’s suspension only being eight weeks long with anger. G2 has been attempting to inspire diversity in the esports scene, including signing all-female teams for a variety of esports like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Ocelote’s behavior in this situation undermines those efforts — something G2’s female players definitely noticed, with Caltys making the following statement on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/Caltyss/status/1571508731896020997?s=20&t=6NLFpNxy20jQm1-eGAt7xQ
Ocelote responds to backlash over Andrew Tate video
While he initially stubbornly stood by his friendship with Andrew Tate, Ocelote eventually tweeted his own apology as backlash continued. He stated that he “failed to read this room right” and has felt “terrible” about the discussions that have resulted from the video.
https://twitter.com/CarlosR/status/1571499567853740037?s=20&t=q0Grs0iETzBpymSxvnPSGA
“G2 is above Carlos and always has been,” Ocelote tweeted. “I will do anything to protect this company and my colleagues in it as it is my unconditional duty to them.”
While Ocelote was attempting to cool down the drama, his behavior after the accusations had people heated. Many people expressed concern with his involvement with G2; several even said his statement seemed to disagree with G2’s outlook on the Andrew Tate controversy, only going along with it once he faced consequences. Others, however, applauded Ocelote for not “apologizing to the mob.”
Published: Sep 18, 2022 04:13 pm