Popular Twitch streamer, Imane Anys, better known by her online pseudonym ‘Pokimane’, has recently voiced her concerns about the struggles faced by female streamers while airing their views, in particular, the critical response she received for her public disapproval of the platform, Kick.
Renowned as Twitch’s most-followed female streamer, Pokimane has experienced criticism in numerous forms throughout her career. From wearing no makeup during live sessions to the creation of her own VTuber avatar, Pokimane’s actions have triggered various degrees of public scrutiny.
One of her most vocal objections has been against the promotion of gambling on streaming platforms. This position led her to be a prominent figure in the 2022 movement against the presence of gambling on Twitch, a phenomenon referred to as the site’s ‘gambling dramageddon’.
Also Read: Will Pokimane Join Kick? CEO Says They’re Still Interested
Most recently, Pokimane faced significant backlash following her declaration that she would not sacrifice her moral compass and ethical standards by joining Kick. This statement came in the wake of a lucrative $100 million deal between Kick and the fellow Twitch streamer, xQc.
Despite the negative feedback, Pokimane stands firm in her belief that her criticism of Kick has led to unfair attacks. She suggests that her detractors, encompassing social media users and fellow streamers, have responded in a manner that some of her supporters deem as sexist and misogynistic.
During a broadcast on June 26, Pokimane candidly expressed the unfortunate reality of being a female streamer. She conveyed that the manner in which she is treated dissuades other women in the field from openly discussing their viewpoints or acting as they wish due to the fear of similar treatment.
A telling instance of this was when a novice streamer confessed to Pokimane about her fear of streaming without makeup, having witnessed the backlash Pokimane received for doing so. The distressing fact that women in the streaming world have to deal with such fears reveals the steep hurdles they face.
The recent criticism of Pokimane has come from various quarters, including OnlyFans celebrity and streamer Corinna Kopf, who labelled her as ‘self-righteous’ for her comments on Kick. Regardless of the varying views, it’s undeniable that Pokimane’s stance has instigated a heated debate in the streaming community, at a time when platforms like Kick are actively seeking top creators to compete against Twitch. The question of whether Pokimane herself may be offered a deal by Kick remains to be seen.
Stay updated with the latest news in gaming and esports by signing up for early access to TalkEsport’s Mobile App. Follow us on Twitter and Google News to ensure you never miss the exciting updates.
