Evo Online cancelled, CEO fired following sexual misconduct allegations
Along with many other sections of the gaming world, the fighting game community has been rocked by a wave of sexual misconduct and abuse allegations over the past few weeks, and the latest involves the CEO of fighting game tournament Evo. After the allegations were made, several companies, players and casters announced they would not participate in this year’s event: resulting in the firing of the CEO, and the cancellation of this year’s Evo Online.
Former president and Evo co-founder Joey “MrWizard” Cuellar was accused of sexual misconduct and predatory behaviour towards several teenage boys, an account later backed up by another community member with evidence of inappropriate comments sent by Cuellar over Twitter. Following the allegations, NetherRealm, Capcom and Bandai Namco announced they would end their participation in this year’s Evo Online, while several players and casters including SonicFox and Stephen “Sajam” Lyon announced they would not participate in the event.
We stand in solidarity with those who have spoken out against abuse. We will be pulling MK11 from EVO Online.
— NetherRealm (@NetherRealm) July 2, 2020
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— Capcom Fighters (@CapcomFighters) July 2, 2020
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— Bandai Namco Esports (@BNEesports) July 3, 2020
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In response to the allegations, Evo last night announced that Evo Online 2020 would be cancelled, and Cuellar would no longer be involved in Evo “effective immediately”.
“We are currently working towards his complete separation from the company and have relieved him of all his responsibilities”, the statement said. “Going forward, Tony Cannon will act as CEO; in his position, he will take a leadership role in prioritising greater accountability across Evo, both internally and at our events”.