Uncovering the Truth Behind NICKMERCS and Call of Duty's Controversy

NICKMERCS, a popular Twitch and YouTube personality, also known as FaZe NICKMERCS, recently faced backlash for a controversial Tweet he posted on June 7. The Tweet was in response to a video showing anti-LGBT protestors getting violent with pro-LGBT demonstrators outside a school board meeting and said, "They should leave little children alone. That's the real issue." The Tweet quickly went viral, garnering nearly 15 million views in just four days, while the original video only has three million views. In May, it was announced that NICKMERCS and TimTheTatman would receive their own Operator skins for Call of Duty: Warzone and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. However, Activision removed NICKMERCS' skin on June 8 following the controversial Tweet, which surprised some fans given his status as one of the most watched Twitch streamers in the Call of Duty category.

High-Profile Streamers Weigh In on the Controversy

The comment made by NICKMERCS has stirred up controversy and divided many, with numerous content creators sharing their opinions. Keemstar, for instance, expressed support for NICKMERCS on June 10, suggesting that it was "Call of Duty" that was canceled rather than Nick. This viewpoint has opened up a broader discussion on cancel culture. However, some Twitter users were quick to point out that NICKMERCS wasn't completely boycotted since Activision didn't ban him from the game. Nonetheless, the company didn't want to be associated with his rhetoric, particularly during Pride month. On the same day, Dr Disrespect uninstalled Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, calling it the worst game in the franchise and demanding an apology for NICKMERCS. He also swore not to play the game again until NICKMERCS' Operator skin was reinstated or Activision apologized to him.

HasanAbi made a comment on the same day, suggesting that Dr Disrespect was more loyal to NICKMERCS than his own wife, referencing Dr Disrespect's support for NICKMERCS' decision to move on to Apex Legends. During a live stream the day before, Dr Disrespect responded to NICKMERCS' original Tweet by stating that right-wingers were taking information out of context, indicating his favor towards Activision's decision. Additionally, Dr Disrespect commented that NICKMERCS' move to stream Apex Legends was "even gayer than Call of Duty". However, on June 10, TimTheTatman publicly requested that Call of Duty remove his own Operator skin in support of NICKMERCS, citing their long-standing friendship and stating that it felt wrong for him to have his skin while NICKMERCS did not. Activision promptly granted TimTheTatman's request on June 11 by removing his skin from in-game stores.

Trainwreck, co-owner of Kick and former Twitch streamer, criticized Activision in response to TimTheTatman's Tweet, suggesting that those who claim to fight for equality are merely seeking attention. Meanwhile, xQc made a joke about Activision removing the xQc Bundle from the game in support of Tim. Activision has remained silent on the issue, but their decision to confiscate NICKMERCS and TimTheTatman's Operator bundles speaks volumes about where they stand on the controversy. Many streamers have taken their own stance on the matter, either supporting or opposing NICKMERCS.

NICKMERCS has apologized for any hurt feelings caused and clarified that he had no intention of spreading hate. However, he has made it clear that he will not be removing the original tweet. While his future with Call of Duty titles remains uncertain, he is expected to continue streaming on Twitch.