Minutes after companies like Capcom, NetherRealm and Bandai Namco withdrew their support for the EVO fighting game tournament over allegations against the event’s president, the organization made it official: EVO Online 2020 has been canceled and the company is making changes inside.
The company said in a statement:
„Over the past 24 hours, in response to serious allegations recently made public on Twitter, we have made the first of a series of important decisions regarding the future of our company. Effective immediately, Joey Cuellar will no longer be involved with EVO in any capacity. We are currently working towards his complete separation from the company and have relieved him of all his responsibilities.”
After this, Tony Cannon will be the new CEO of the event and company.
„We are shocked and saddened by these events, but we are listening and committed to making every change that will be necessary in making EVO a better model for the stronger, safer culture we all seek. As a result, we will be canceling EVO Online and will work to issue refunds for all players who chose to purchase a badge. We will donate the equivalent of the proceeds as promised to Project HOPE.”
The internet picked up yesterday that EVO Online’s organizer was also involved in the recently rampant sexual harassment cases.
Cuellar said the following about the case: „I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt anyone. I was young and reckless and did things that I’m not proud of. I have been growing and maturing over the past 20 years, but that doesn’t excuse anything. All I have been trying to do is become a better person. Once again, I’m truly sorry.”
The case happened 19 years ago, when Cuellar hired a young guy for sexual exhibitionism. The man now told the story via Twitter, ruining not only an event but also a human life with good chance.
Of course, it is not our goal to judge or defend Joey Cuellar, but this case seems heavily overblown. Unfortunately, it is very easy to step out of the anonymity of the past, out of obscurity and blame others. Plus, it can cost a person’s lifelong built career.
The icing on the cake: the guy did admit that it did not affect him. There was no trauma left, he showed it, he got money for it, it was over.
Is it right to ruin a life because of this, or is this whole case of sexual harassment starting to get out of control? It is up to the reader to judge this…
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