Twitch Streamer NICKMERCS Faces Backlash for Controversial Comments on Pride Month in Schools
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COURTESY OF ANDY RODRIGUEZ
A popular Twitch streamer and FaZe Clan co-owner, Nick ‘NICKMERCS’ Kolcheff, has encountered criticism for suggesting that “little kids” should not be involved in Pride Month activities in schools. In a tweet published on June 7, a large brawl outside of a school was shown. According to reports, the incident was caused by the school board’s decision to recognize June as Pride Month. As a result of the brawl, three people were arrested. Puckett said the fight had taken place near his old home, and Americans are in a sad place at the moment. People should be able to love who they love and live their own lives. The NICKMERCS replied to Puckett’s tweet, stating: They should leave small children alone. That’s the real problem. NICKMERCS’ response quickly sparked backlash, prompting some to accuse him of discriminating against LGBTQ+ people.
Call Of Duty removes FaZe Clan member NICKMERCS skin from game after Anti-LGBTQ comments during Pride Month. pic.twitter.com/YIoQQhO0Zs
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) June 9, 2023
After receiving backlash, Nick clarified that he did not mean to upset anyone and that his recent baby birth has made him particularly sensitive to the issue. He went on to say that he stands by his tweet. Puckett disputed with Kolcheff, saying, “Who are they, and what terrible act are they afraid of?” It is my belief/hope that the majority of ‘them’ want to reduce the number of kid suicides. This is accomplished via acceptance and the removal of the shame associated with feeling/being different. OpTic Hutch also criticised Nick’s post, writing, “The gays are going after your kids,” which is the same hackneyed a** argument that people with weak brains have been making for decades and decades.” It’s nothing new. Another prominent esports commentator and presenter, Goldenboy, said, “I’m disappointed in you, Nick.” Teaching acceptance and tolerance for EVERYONE is an important life skill for people of all ages.
Who is this they and what terrible act is everyone afraid of?
— Puckett ✈️ #CDL2023 (@MLGPuckett) June 7, 2023
I think/hope the goal of most of “them” is to reduce child suicides. This is done through acceptance and removing the stigma of feeling/being different.
As a dad I’m struggling to see the harm. Gay doesn’t = pedo
Anti-LGBTQ+” Comment By Popular Twitch Streamer NICKMERCS About Pride Month In schools lands him in hot water
FaZe Clan streamer Nicholas “Nickmercs” is currently under fire for making an insensitive tweet about the LGBTQIA+ community. Grace Van Dien has entered the fray, reacting to the insult with a single word: “EW.” Nicholas commands the admiration of thousands of teenage followers worldwide as one of the most prominent Call of Duty content makers on Twitch, and many have called him out for his narrow-minded attitude to criticising Pride month. Grace Van Dien responded directly to Nickmerc’s remarks on social media, where anti-LGBTQIA+ sentiments are rising. Many people have taken notice of her because she was involved in a recent affair with FaZe Rain. Puckett disputed with Kolcheff, saying, “Who are they, and what terrible act are they afraid of?” t is my belief and hope that most of ‘them’ want to decrease the number of suicides among children. This is accomplished via acceptance and the removal of the shame associated with feeling/being different.
I will never work/watch a MFAM event again. I cannot in good conscience work for a bigot. I am a Marine and swore to uphold and protect the constitution which protects protests and demands equality for all.
— VEXED Loopy (@llo_0py) June 7, 2023
“Peace and love” unless you’re gay or trans? What a loser. https://t.co/RDAHlcahb9
Nick if you happen to see this by sheer chance, I would love to talk with you in call again. Give you the perspective of how dangerous this rhetoric is, and how foolhardy and misguided it is. If he doesn't see this fair enough. Just really disappointed.
— F/A Luciian 🌙 (@LuciianFPS) June 8, 2023Advertisement
OpTic Hutch also criticised Nick’s post, writing, “The gays are going after your kids,” which is the same hackneyed a** argument that people with weak brains have been making for decades and decades.” It’s nothing new. Another prominent esports commentator and presenter, Goldenboy, said, “I’m disappointed in you, Nick.” Teaching acceptance and tolerance for EVERYONE is an important life skill for people of all ages. June is typically observed as Pride Month in the United States and other nations across the world. It condenses in the United States and across the world. People that hold anti-gay or anti-trans attitudes, on the other hand, do not support Pride Month. This year has witnessed an increase in hate crimes targeting vulnerable populations, whether through mass shootings or disruption of pride demonstrations and protests. Puckett had tweeted in favour of LGBTQIA+ protesters, stating that individuals should be allowed to love and be themselves. In response, Nickmercs’ piece not only minimises the “real issue” of the current spike in anti-trans sentiment but also parrots conservative and anti-trans talking points. These imply that Pride Month is intended to indoctrinate minors or has a more sinister and pedophilic intent.
