Dr Disrespect faces yet another setback: YouTube tightens its grip after major criticism
It has been a bad week for Guy “Dr Disrespect” Beahm. The popular video game streamer, who was banned from Twitch almost four years ago, is now facing new consequences after serious allegations of inappropriate messages to a minor.
Last week, a former Twitch employee, Cody Conners, revealed the reason for Beahm’s ban from the platform in 2020. Conners claimed that Beahm was caught sending inappropriate messages to a minor through Twitch’s now defunct chat feature, Twitch Whispers. Shortly after this revelation, the game company Beahm co-founded, Midnight Society, announced that they would sever ties with him.
Dr Disrespect issued a statement on June 25, admitting that he had conversations with a minor but insisted that there were no real intentions behind the messages. He described them as “casual, mutual conversations that could sometimes be a bit inappropriate, but nothing more than that.”
The reaction was swift and harsh. Several popular streamers and influencers, including some of Beahm’s close friends, distanced themselves from him. Sponsors like Turtle Beach immediately withdrew, as did his agency, CAA, and partners like NBA2K and the San Francisco 49ers.
Now, YouTube has also chosen to demonetize Dr Disrespect’s channel and any other channel he may create in the future. A spokesperson for YouTube stated: “We have suspended DrDisrespect’s channel from the YouTube Partner Program based on serious allegations against the creator. This action means that the channel can no longer earn money on YouTube.”
Dr Disrespect has informed his fans that he is taking an extended break with his family but has promised to return to streaming when he comes back. With a ban from Twitch, a demonetized YouTube channel, lost sponsors, and a fractured support network, it is uncertain where Beahm will find his next platform. Even after this controversy, he is still popular enough to potentially attract new sponsors and a new platform after a period of rehabilitation, but the future is unclear.
Midnight Society released a statement explaining that they severed ties with Beahm to uphold their principles and standards as a game company. They emphasized the importance of acting with dignity on behalf of their employees and gaming community.
Online reaction has been almost universally negative, and many former fans express disappointment and outrage. Beahm’s co-founder in Midnight Society and popular streamer Tim “TimTheTatMan” Betar described Beahm’s actions as “unforgivable.”
Beahm has previously threatened to retire from streaming but has always come back. Whether this latest controversy will mark the end of his streaming career remains uncertain. While some of his most loyal fans still defend him, the future looks bleak for Dr Disrespect.