Key Highlights
- Twitch faces severe backlash after apologizing for the assault on streamer Emiru at TwitchCon.
- Fans and creators accuse the platform of lying, hiding facts, and not taking sexual assault seriously.
- A viral community note under Twitch’s post claimed the company “lied on several occasions” and withheld video evidence.
- The issue has become a major PR crisis for the company, with growing calls for CEO Dan Clancy to take real action or step down.
Twitch’s Apology Sparks Backlash
On November 7, 2025, Twitch issued an apology after streamer Emiru (Emily Schunk) was sexually assaulted at TwitchCon San Diego. The platform stated that it “failed to keep Emiru safe” and promised to donate to anti-sexual violence groups.
Accusations of Dishonesty and Hypocrisy
The apology quickly turned into a public relations nightmare for the streaming giant. Streamers like SmugAlana, and fans accused Twitch of lying, hiding facts, and not taking sexual assault seriously. A viral community note under Twitch’s post claimed that the company “lied on several occasions” and even withheld video evidence.
Mockery and Unjust Bans
A viral post by SmugAlana further deepened the outrage. She mocked Twitch online for unbanning a creator accused of sexual assault after only a one-week ban, writing: “Nobody is taking this seriously after you unbanned a chick who sexually assaulted a dude on stream after 1 week. You ban people for longer for less.” This post went viral fast, getting thousands of likes and reposts.
Widespread Anger and Calls for Change
The backlash has spread beyond Twitch’s fanbase to advertisers and sponsors. Critics say Twitch’s weak response to sexual assault shows “broken priorities.” Fans and creators are now calling for real changes, like stronger event safety protocols, clear rules for bans, and full transparency.
CEO’s Inaction Sparks Further Criticism
The issue has become a major PR disaster for the company. CEO Dan Clancy is under intense pressure to take action or step down. Some users slammed him, saying he was “out partying” while calling Emiru a “friend” online.
Future Implications
The Emiru case symbolizes how Twitch fails to protect its own streamers and ignores serious problems until they go viral. The incident highlights the platform’s challenges in handling sensitive issues like sexual assault, putting it under scrutiny from both creators and consumers alike.
Twitch must address these concerns urgently to regain public trust and maintain its position as a leader in the streaming industry. Failure to do so could lead to significant long-term damage for the platform and its CEO, Dan Clancy.
