Twitch Unbans Controversial Streamer ZeRo After Five Years

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Summary

  • Twitch has overturned ZeRo’s permanent ban, sparking mixed reactions in the community.
  • ZeRo’s return raises questions about Twitch’s ban policies and transparency.
  • Twitch’s recent change allows streamers with permanent bans to request a review after six months.

After about five years, Twitch has reinstated Gonzalo “ZeRo” Barrios, a decision made following his initial removal from the platform. Despite being a leading streaming service, Twitch is often criticized for its inconsistent ban policies; some argue that it exhibits favoritism while being overly harsh with others.

Previously recognized as one of the elite players in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, ZeRo was once highly regarded within the gaming community. However, in 2020, allegations surfaced that shook the Smash community when ZeRo faced claims of sexual misconduct involving minors. He admitted to some of the accusations, stating that his interactions with Katie and Laura were “generally true,” but he was unaware of their ages at the time and described the messages as “unforgivable.”

However, another accuser, Jisu, expressed doubts about ZeRo’s honesty, asserting that he was trying to protect his image by only confessing to specific actions when the situation became too serious.

After taking swift action, Twitch permanently banned ZeRo in July 2020. However, his Twitch account is now active again. It’s worth mentioning that ZeRo wasn’t banned across all platforms, and he continued producing content on YouTube, where he amassed over 800,000 subscribers. Over time, he kept his followers updated, such as in November 2021 when he announced that he was suing Jisu. Approaching a year later, he disclosed that the lawsuit had ended, and he was working towards getting his Twitch ban reversed.

ZeRo’s Unbanning Sparks Mixed Reactions

The unexpected lifting of ZeRo’s ban has led to diverse opinions within the community. Some are voicing their disapproval towards the platform for reinstating him, while others can’t help but notice his noticeable transformation. It remains unclear as to why the Amazon-controlled streaming service reversed its decision, however, it coincides with the new ban policy modifications announced in February. Under the updated rules, streamers who have been permanently banned from Twitch may now request a review six months later and potentially return online.

It’s uncertain what ZeRo will stream next, as he might focus on fitness or return to gaming. However, it’s questionable if his unban by Twitch will be long-lasting due to their erratic behavior in similar situations. For instance, Sliker’s account was reinstated after two years, but was subsequently banned again shortly afterwards. Meanwhile, streamers like Adin Ross are requesting another opportunity, yet Twitch has been uncommunicative. The inconsistent bans raise questions about the company’s transparency. If a permanent ban is going to be lifted, many in the community would prefer a clear rationale behind the decision.

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2025-03-14 11:36