The sexual harassment allegations against popular Counter-Strike analyst and caster Mathieu “Maniac” Quiquerez have finally met a response where he neither admitted nor denied said allegations, rather pinned the blame on alcohol and a troubled childhood.
Less than 48 hours ago, British journalist Hannah Marie ZT claimed that Maniac groped and inappropriately touched him during a G2 Esports-sponsored June 16th afterparty in London for the BLAST Premier: Spring Finals. Her allegations were backed by Daisy “DAMP” Powers who had a similar experience with the Swiss analyst.
These allegations have surfaced amidst the 20th season of ESL Pro League where he was actively working as an analyst. Following the revelations, Maniac has removed himself from the panel and has put out a statement addressing his behavior.
I have been forced to peer into the abyss and face my worst demons in the last few days. I have had a problematic relationship with alcohol for most of my adult life. I have attempted in many ways to get it under control but I have failed miserably at various points. I am ashamed of my weakness and have been for years. Now I cannot turn a blind eye to it anymore. Alcohol reveals my self-doubt, my need for promiscuity, to be seen, to be wanted, because a part of me is broken and feels unworthy. I was broken during my childhood and I wish to one day have the strength to address it with courage. This led to unacceptable behaviors over the years for which I am truly sorry. Sorry doesn’t even begin to cover it. Social medias have allowed me to cowardly desensitize human interactions as if nothing really happened. This was an escape. I never wanted to hurt anyone and I have always tried to give people the respect and the agency they deserve. I looked to fill a void in a pathetic and destructive manner. I will take time to reassess my life, who I am, and who I want to be. I have let people down that I deeply care about, I have let this community down and I have let myself down.
Mathieu “Maniac” Quiquerez
Community members have taken it to the comment section of his apology Tweet to voice their dissatisfaction, given that he was extremely popular. Fans found pinning the blame on alcohol and childhood trauma was an obvious way of evading accountability.
Dust2 put out a report detailing multiple accounts of sexual harassment against Maniac. He has further promised to make a video once things have settled down.
