Herschel "Guy" Beahm IV, known online as Dr Disrespect, has confirmed inappropriate messaging with an underage individual, leading to his Twitch ban. This confession sheds light on his 2020 Twitch departure, four years after the event and following much speculation. The revelation comes after former Twitch employee Cody Conners alleged that Dr Disrespect engaged in "sexting a minor" via Twitch Whispers, a now-defunct private messaging feature.
The streamer, initially denying wrongdoing, later issued a statement admitting to inappropriate conversations with a minor in 2017, three years prior to his ban. He clarified that while the interactions were inappropriate, there were no malicious intentions, and no in-person meeting occurred. This statement directly counters Conners' claim that the messaging aimed to arrange a meeting at TwitchCon. The statement, viewed millions of times shortly after posting, faced criticism for initially omitting the word "minor," a detail later reinstated.
Dr Disrespect's statement also addressed his departure from Midnight Society, the game development studio he co-founded. While Midnight Society cited upholding its principles as the reason for severing ties, Dr Disrespect characterized the decision as a mutual and painful one, apologizing to his colleagues, community, and loved ones.
Finally, Dr Disrespect announced an extended but temporary break from streaming, stating his intent to return, and rejecting the "predator" label applied by some online. His admission concludes a long period of uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of his Twitch ban.