Update: Herschel “Guy” Beahm, better known as Dr Disrespect, has returned, and he’s now streaming on YouTube following an announcement on Twitter. It is still believed that there is no deal in place between YouTube and Beahm. Nevertheless, he has taken to streaming on the platform and, to begin with, addressed his banning from Twitch. Although he expressed frustrations, Beahm did not provide any explanation for why the ban was issued, instead noting that he was not given much notice and in the time since the justification has not become clear to him. “We still have no idea … so just let the legal professionals just do what they need to do,” he said.
At the time of writing, his stream peaked at 510k concurrent viewers, showing that his popularity has transferred over from Twitch to YouTube. His move comes just as some other high-profile Twitch streamers, including Ninja, moved back to Twitch after the shutdown of Microsoft’s Mixer. This is despite being reportedly offered enormous contracts to move to Facebook Gaming, which Microsoft has partnered with to utilize its streaming technology.
The original story follows.
More than a month after the action was taken against his account, we still don’t know why Beahm was banned. His punishment is one of the highest-profile bans in Twitch history. It remains unclear if Twitch is planning to address the reason in more detail in the future. Likewise, we don’t yet know where he may head next; his Twitter profile link has recently been updated to point to YouTube, but there’s no indication of an official partnership with that platform or any other. A voice clip shared on his Instagram page during a live video teased that he could be returning to stream on August 6. However, it is unclear if this was intended as a joke. According to esports consultant Rod Breslau, neither YouTube nor Facebook have offered him a partnership. A pinned tweet says he will be streaming on August 7, and his YouTube channel is streaming a static scene at the moment.
He has teased that he’s considering a lawsuit against Twitch, but so far there have been no developments on that front, suggesting it may simply be posturing.
Why Was Dr Disrespect Banned From Twitch?
It’s unclear exactly why or how long Dr Disrespect will be banned. Following news of the ban, Dr Disrespect did not say anything publicly about the situation, and searching for his Twitch account yielded no results. However, on June 27, a day after news of the ban broke, Beahm broke his silence and posted an update on Twitter, addressing his fans. According to the streamer, Twitch has not provided him with any specific reason for the ban. Meanwhile, Monday’s temporary suspension of Donald Trump was accompanied by specific reasoning, with Twitch even citing specific violations of its “hateful conduct” policy.
Dr Disrespect’s Statement On His Ban
Champions Club, Twitch has not notified me on the specific reason behind their decision… Firm handshakes to all for the support during this difficult time. -Dr Disrespect
Regarding Dr Disrespect’s ban, Twitch has offered no specific explanation for the move publicly. Of course, this has left room for speculation. Some have suggested that it could be the result of a DMCA takedown (of which there has been a flurry recently). However, this would ordinarily result in a temporary ban, and there is no sign of that happening.
Beahm finally gave an interview to the Washington Post regarding his ban on July 16. He expressed incredulity about Twitch’s decision. However, his legal and publicity teams limited what he could and couldn’t answer. Legal action against Twitch is being considered, although it’s unclear if this is merely posturing or a route he actually intends to pursue.
“It was a total shock,” he said. “Imagine showing up to work and the doors are closed and you can’t get inside.”
Beahm later shared an ominous video on his Twitter account, backed by moody music. It wasn’t clear what purpose it served but it was his first tweet since late June. The timing roughly coincided with the round of interviews that were also published in mid-July. These interviews ultimately gave little explanation for his actions that could have led to the ban. He said he won’t be returning to the platform.
Twitch’s Statement On Dr Disrespect’s Ban
When we reached out to Twitch for comment, we were given the same generic statement already offered to the wider community: “As is our process, we take appropriate action when we have evidence that a streamer has acted in violation of our Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. These apply to all streamers regardless of status or prominence in the community.”
The Twitch Community Reacts To Dr Disrespect’s Ban
According to esports reporter Rod Breslau, Dr Disrepsect’s ban is not related to a DMCA measure, and is in fact a permanent ban, rather than a temporary one. This was the first indication there could be something more serious going on than a simple copyright issue. Twitch is also giving refunds to those who had subscribed to his channel and his emotes are no longer on the site.
Sources: DrDisrespect has been permanently banned from Twitch
— Rod “4475 SR & Immortal peak” Breslau (@Slasher) June 26, 2020
Sources: it is not DMCA
— Rod “4475 SR & Immortal peak” Breslau (@Slasher) June 26, 2020
Breslau also shared a video from Beahm’s final stream that showed him struggling to speak, possibly because he knew what was about to happen.
watching a video of the last 8 minutes of todays DrDisrespects stream, he changes behavior abruptly and mumbles out an extremely odd ending “We’ll…we’ll get through this champions. life’s weird right now….we’ll get through this okay. and uh…..fuck” pic.twitter.com/sXXHRbtVij
— Rod “4475 SR & Immortal peak” Breslau (@Slasher) June 27, 2020
Zach Bussey, who reports on Twitch happenings, indicated there won’t be a public statement shared by Twitch regarding the ban, but that he too has heard it is permanent.
I’ve just been informed that there will be NO public statement made by Twitch – but the corporate communication team is responding to press inquiries. This is a big one folks. I think Doc is gone. #TwitchNews
Official Twitch Statement: “As is our process, we take appropriate action when we have evidence that a streamer has acted in violation of our Community Guidelines or Terms of Service. These apply to all streamers regardless of status or prominence in the community.”
Another streamer, Shannon Plante (AKA ShannonZKiller), indicated that she’s heard the Dr Disrepect ban is a permanent one, adding that the cause is “serious.” She offered no further specifics, saying she knows the reason for the ban but that she “cannot say” more. She does state that he is “done, and not just on Twitch.” At the time of this writing, his YouTube channel and Twitter account remain online, but Plante deleted her tweet.
From my own sources: Doc is indeed done, and not just on Twitch. I know why and cannot say. But this is serious.
Dr Disrespect’s ban comes not long after Twitch removed several other prominent streamers for alleged sexual abuse and harassment, including IamSp00n, BlessRNG, DreadedCone, and others. Earlier this week, Twitch said it would be issuing permanent suspensions following its investigation into these allegations. The accusations led to a Twitch blackout, with streamers staying off the platform for a day to encourage the streaming service to take action against abusers.
Giphy Removes Dr Disrespect GIFs
Popular GIF hosting service Giphy has also apparently removed GIF material featuring Beahm from its site. This is despite the reasoning behind the ban still not being made public.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
