CS2 caster Maniac denies sexual assault allegation, steps down from EPL broadcast

Mathieu ‘Maniac’ Quiquerez, a Counter-Strike 2 commentator and ex-player and coach, is facing allegations of sexual assault.

Hannah Marie ZT, a freelance esports journalist and events manager for Play New Meta, accused Maniac on social media of “groping, inappropriately touching, grinding on, and grabbing”her from behind, despite her expressing clear discomfort and showing no reciprocation.

Marie disclosed that the incident took place at an afterparty following a Counter-Strike event and that she notified the appropriate company about the assault. She explained that she did not mention the company’s name in her statement due to confidentiality concerns.

The company in question reportedly supported her allegations following an internal investigation, yet failed to give Marie a confirmation of their decision.

“In her statement, she revealed that after she requested written confirmation of their investigation, one of their staff members inadvertently included her in an email where they confessed their intention to disregard her persistent requests for written acknowledgement of the investigation’s outcome.”

TW: SA This summer, I was sexually assaulted by CS2 broadcast talent/ex-pro, Maniac_CSGO. I was repeatedly groped, grabbed, and inappropriately touched over 3hrs where I felt unable to raise the issue and afraid to leave other women at his mercy. Please read: pic.twitter.com/3Fj8EX9nfw

— Hannah Marie ZT (@hannahmariezt) September 4, 2024

Marie asserted that the investigation company was unable to share its findings with broadcast teams because of their own confidentiality agreements and policies. She also stated that she personally intervened to remove Maniac from interactions with other women.

She stated that she shared the public accusation as a cautionary measure for others in the esports industry regarding the caster and his purported behavior.

Upon being accused, Maniac took to social media to address the allegation and stated that he remembers the events in question in a significantly different manner.

He stated, “I do not think a sexual assault occurred. I believe that inappropriate conduct should be the only focus in this matter.”

In light of the accusation, Maniac announced that he will resign from the EPL broadcast.

The caster has been a full-time broadcast talent for Counter-Strike esports since 2019, providing services for BLAST, PGL, and ESL.

Maniac has been featured in various CS Major events and most recently served as an analyst for the Esports World Cup. Prior to his broadcasting career, he also played and coached for renowned teams such as Titan, Team EnVyUs, and Rogue.