VTubers Criticize Twitch for “Bullying” Following Fallenshadow Ban Controversy

The ban of Twitch streamer fallenshadow has triggered significant backlash from other VTubers on the platform, many of whom believe there is favoritism toward non-VTubing creators.

The reason for her ban was that she got drunk during a stream. Twitch did not initially provide a reason, but fallenshadow (aka Shondo) later received a follow-up email indicating she was flagged for “self-harm behavior” due to her intoxication.

She faced a 30-day suspension, with the additional stipulation that her subscribers would not automatically renew at the end of the pay period, meaning she not only loses income but also requires her subscribers to re-sub after her ban.

there is no fucking way pic.twitter.com/IbVI6qTq1X

— 🎀 🍫 🔪 shadow || しゃどう || purple people eater!!! (@fallenshadow_YT) September 14, 2024

During the stream that led to her ban, Shondo expressed concern about the stability of her livelihood, which may have influenced the self-harm classification. Given that this isn’t her first violation on Twitch, her anxiety is somewhat justified.

She discussed her fears in a follow-up tweet, stating, “I’m afraid for the future because I always have the niggling thought that all of my friends will leave me or everyone will leave me or things will get worse because eventually my meds will stop working. That doesn’t mean I want to hurt myself in any way or plan on it.”

It’s essential to note that fallenshadow admitted she became too drunk on her stream, which likely contributed to the ban.

Other VTubers expressed support for her while voicing their frustrations with Twitch. They argue that the platform is biased against VTubers and feels as if Twitch staff has been “bullying” them.

“Twitch’s favorite gamers can say ki// yourself, but somehow bringing up mental health during a drinking stream results in a 30-day suspension. Twitch is not dispelling allegations of ‘we hate VTubers,’” stated Bao, a prominent streamer.

Lemme get this straightTwitch’s favorite gamers can say ki// yourself, but somehow bringing up mental health in any capacity during a drinking stream warrants a 30 day suspensionTwitch is not beating the “we hate vtubers” allegations

— Bao The Whale 🐳 (@baovtuber) September 15, 2024

“Someone at Twitch seems to genuinely have it out for you at this point,” added Pipkin Pippa, another prominent VTuber.

According to fallenshadow’s account, this assertion holds weight as she feels she is being subjected to a unique set of rules compared to other streamers, expressing frustration over guidelines that she claims are “not allowed to see.”

“Is drinking on stream against TOS now? Or is it just against the made-up second set of rules that my partner manager admitted moderation has for me (that I’m not allowed to see or hear about btw) because I am a petite woman with a high soft voice using a VTuber model that reflects me IRL?”

Twitch has yet to provide additional comments on the situation beyond the email sent to Shondo. As of now, they have maintained their decision to uphold her suspension.

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