“Cheerleading for Terrorism”: Twitch Star Called for New 9/11

In a shocking outburst on his popular Twitch stream, prominent streamer “xQcOW” has come under fire for calling for a “new 9/11.” The controversial statement has sparked outrage on social media and raised concerns about the potential consequences of such rhetoric within online communities.

Context and Motivations

During a live broadcast on February 15, 2023, xQcOW was discussing current events when he made the inflammatory remark. While criticizing the United States’ foreign policy, he stated, “We need a new 9/11, man. We need something to shake up America.” He further suggested that such an event might encourage American citizens to “rethink” their support for certain policies.

The statement has been widely condemned as both insensitive and dangerous. Critics have pointed out that the original 9/11 attacks resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people and had a profound impact on American society. They argue that xQcOW’s words are a reckless glorification of violence and a mockery of the victims and their families.

Consequences and Reactions

The backlash to xQcOW’s statement has been swift and widespread. Twitch has issued a temporary suspension of his account, while several sponsors have withdrawn their support. Many fellow streamers have publicly denounced his actions, calling them “unacceptable” and “unforgivable.”

The controversy has also highlighted concerns about the potential influence of such rhetoric on younger viewers, particularly those who are frequent online gaming platforms. Experts warn that dehumanizing language and calls for violence can have real-world consequences, including the normalization of extremist ideologies.

Outlook and Future Steps

It remains to be seen what long-term consequences xQcOW will face for his statement. Twitch has yet to announce whether he will face a permanent ban or if his account will be reinstated with restrictions. The controversy is also likely to fuel ongoing discussions about the role of online platforms in preventing the spread of harmful content.

In the wake of this incident, it is crucial for all online users to be mindful of the potential impact of their words and actions. Promoting violence or glorifying terrorism is not only unethical but also has the potential to incite real-world harm. Open and responsible dialogue is essential in fostering a safer and more inclusive online environment.