Twitch has implemented strict regulations to prioritize the safety of streamers during their live broadcasts. A notable area of concern has been content creators using their phones while driving, which can lead to severe consequences. Despite these guidelines, several streamers have been flagged and banned for violating this crucial rule.
Over the years, numerous broadcasters have faced disciplinary measures from Twitch for behaviors such as texting while driving. Responses to these bans have varied; some streamers have publicly acknowledged their mistakes and issued apologies, while others have contested the platform’s decisions, sparking debates in the community.
This article highlights five notable Twitch streamers who have faced bans for using their phones behind the wheel.
Five Twitch Streamers Banned for Phone Usage While Driving
1. Adin Ross
Adin Ross was banned on July 8, 2021, for using his phone while driving, notably running a red light during his livestream. This incident stirred significant controversy and led Twitch to take decisive action. The streamer reported receiving a permanent strike, which alarmed many of his fans.
While some criticized Twitch for what they considered inconsistent moderation, Adin offered this reflection:
“I was at a red light during my IRL stream and I read chat off of my phone. I am 100% in the wrong I’m so sorry. Idk when I’m gonna be back tho … I’m shaking rn I’m so sorry I feel horrible.”
2. ExtraEmily
Emily, widely recognized as ExtraEmily, faced a ban on October 13, 2023, for texting and driving in the middle of a broadcast. She was using the language-learning app Duolingo while driving, and the incident sparked outrage across social media platforms, prompting her channel to be temporarily suspended. Following the event, Emily admitted her actions were irresponsible.
A video clip from her stream gained traction online, leading users to call for her banning. Fellow streamer Felix “xQc” voiced his disapproval during a broadcast, emphasizing the absurdity of her prioritizing an app over safe driving:
“I got to ask chat, Duolingo? How is that a priority over anything? To f**king look at Duolingo?”
3. Mitch Jones
Mitch Jones, known for his engaging World of Warcraft content, was banned in June 2019 for reading chat messages while driving. The incident occurred during an IRL stream alongside internet personality Miss Tricky, where he used his phone inappropriately. Following a seven-day suspension, Mitch acknowledged the severity of his actions and extended an apology to his viewers.
4. Bri and Katie Teresi
The dynamic duo of streamers, Bri and Katie Teresi, faced bans for texting while attempting to stream in 2019. During a live broadcast, Bri picked up her phone to respond to messages, resulting in the suspension of their joint account. This came just before a separate incident that gained Bri significant notoriety. She later expressed regret over the situation, committing to safer practices moving forward.
5. bobby big ballz (Chickenman400)
Known for his Super Smash Bros. streams, “bobby big ballz,”now known as Chickenman400, was banned following a livestream where he was seen consuming alcohol and using his phone. Though Twitch did not disclose specific reasons behind the ban, he accepted the consequences, albeit controversially. In his response, he expressed a desire to entertain his audience without being held to a moral standard:
“I stream to make people smile through entertainment I am not meant to be a beacon of morals & values I am just me. Drinking is a way I cope with life you’re welcome to judge me this is just my truth not an excuse. Thank you anyone who still supports me.”
In light of ongoing discussions, many users are now calling for action against streamer Kai Cenat, who was recently spotted using his phone while driving during a livestream. Such behaviors have raised concerns about the potential risk to public safety posed by streamers prioritizing content creation over responsible conduct.