Credit: Twitter
Following homophobic remarks made by the streamer earlier this week, Activision has removed the Nickmercs Operator Bundle from the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone in-game storefronts. While individuals who have already purchased the bundle can still use it in-game, there is currently no information on whether or when it will be made available for purchase.
Chris Puckett, the Overwatch League host, posted a video of LGBTQ+ demonstrators being attacked outside a California school board meeting earlier this week on Twitter. "Americans are in a sad place right now," he wrote in a tweet. Live your own life and let others love whom they want to. Nickmercs responded with a harmless statement, "They should leave little children alone, that's the real issue"
The response sparked outrage from a number of users, including Puckett himself who asked, "Who or what is this "they" that everyone is terrified of? I believe/hope that less child suicides is what most of 'them' are aiming for. This is accomplished through embracing difference and eradicating the stigma associated with it."
As a response to his remarks, Activision has removed the Nickmercs Call of Duty Operator bundle that was added with the Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2 Season 3 Reloaded update last month. The official Call Of Duty social media handle issued a statement that said, "Due to recent events, we have removed the “NICKMERCS Operator” bundle from the Modern Warfare II and Warzone store. We are focused on celebrating PRIDE with our employees and our community."
NICKMERCS responds to the backlash
Recently, NICKMERCS responded to the backlash over his tweet and said, "I didn’t mean to upset anyone, I know that I did. I’m not apologizing about the tweet because I don’t feel like it’s wrong."
Later, NICKMERCS clarified that he and his wife want to teach their child about LGBTQ issues because they are parents, hence he opposes having this subject covered in a public school. For holding this viewpoint, Call of Duty pulled his bundle from the game.