An Ex-Riot Employee Alleges Sexual Assault by League of Legends Shoutcaster
Last night, a former Riot employee came forward with allegations of sexual assault against a former European League of Legends shoutcaster in 2014.
In a recent statement, Criss Fowler revealed that the unnamed shoutcaster had allegedly sexually harassed her by putting his hand under her skirt without consent and suggesting a threesome. Feeling pressured, Fowler reluctantly agreed to go to his hotel room but made herself vomit and left in an Uber.
It’s taken me six years to talk about this
Read: https://t.co/J1JuSXdAkB
— Criss (@aeridel) June 25, 2020
Fowler explained that she still doesn’t feel brave enough to publicly name the shoutcaster, as she believes it could jeopardize her career in the gaming industry. She expressed her fear that calling him out could prevent her from entering the industry she is passionate about.
According to Fowler, she was waiting for Riot to send her an employment contract that would solidify her position when the incident occurred. Due to the shoutcaster’s reputation, she was concerned that speaking out would hinder her chances of working in the gaming industry.
Fowler also claimed that the shoutcaster continued to pursue her on social media, although he eventually stopped after several months of no response.
In addition to her own experience, Fowler mentioned other instances of sexual misconduct and harassment within the gaming industry. She alleged that a senior manager spread rumors that she only got her job at Riot because her boyfriend worked there and that another industry veteran groped her in a cab after a PAX East 2014 after-party.
Reflecting on the situation, Fowler expressed a sense of betrayal, stating that the industry initially creates a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, only for individuals to abuse their power. She believes that this issue is prevalent within the gaming industry.
Since June 20, numerous women in the esports and gaming industry have shared their stories of sexual assault, harassment, or misconduct, marking a significant #MeToo movement within the community. As a result, alleged perpetrators have faced consequences such as job loss and permanent bans on Twitch.