Two weeks ago, infamous Twitch streamer, Dr DisRespect, was banned from Twitch and kicked out of E3 for live-streaming inside of a public restroom at E3. His wild antics, in particular one specific instance, violated several of Twitch’s Terms of Service and may have also violated California state law. Today, Dr DisRespect, also known as Herschel Beahm IV, had his channel reinstated by the streaming website.
Twitch declined comment to gaming news sites about its decision to reinstate Beahm’s channel. Dr DisRespect also did not provide comment. He did, however, retweeted several posts on his official Twitter page about his return to the streaming service. Beahm has not apologized or commented on the incident since it happened.
Beahm’s troubles began during his first “IRL” (in real life) stream at E3. He had been chosen as one of only a few streamers to represent Twitch at the world’s largest gaming conference. But after his cameraman followed him into the bathroom as part of an extended joke, Beahm quickly had his E3 badge revoked and was kicked out of the conference.
Shortly after, Twitch suspended his channel, likely for violating several of its terms of service.
During the stream, Beahm could be seen shouting “BODYGUARD!” at random attendees and, later, urinating in a urinal directly next to another random attendee doing the same. It’s a common rule, although not a law, that you never use a urinal next to someone else when other urinals are available. Let alone that you shouldn’t film yourself doing it.
All of these acts are a large part of Beahm’s attraction as a streamer. He is infamous for his rude, in-your-face antics. Beahm’s channel did not garner fans from his ability to play professionally, but his wit and smack-talk during play. Beahm started out in 2010 when he posted some comical videos of himself playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 on YouTube.
Twitch has strict rules for regulating the use of streams. Streamers are not allowed to live-stream any illegal act. Twitch also bars its streamers from filming anyone without their express consent. Beahm’s shenanigans seemed to violate both at the same time. Filming inside restrooms is potentially illegal in the state of California, which has strict laws regulating potential invasions of privacy.
Although his actions at E3 went too far, even for his channel, it seems Twitch has decided to give the streamer a second chance. His massive fanbase on Twitch probably had a lot to do with it.
