Electronic Arts (EA) has banned FIFA YouTube Kurt “Kurt0411” Fenech from playing any of its games online or using any of its online services. The punishment, one of the most severe sanctions ever imposed in gaming, was the culmination of a long feud between Kurt and EA.
In a statement posted to Twitter, EA explained that Kurt breached the company’s terms of service:
“Kurt has continued to post abusive and threatening messages and videos about EA employees and competitive players on social media and he has encouraged others to do the same. His messages have crossed a line of decency into very personal attacks and breach our Terms of Service. We will not tolerate threatening behavior. As a result, today Kurt0411’s EA account will be banned from playing our games and accessing our services due to these serious and repeated violations.”
Kurt was first banned from attending official EA events last November. Kotaku reported at the time that the sanction was a result of Kurt’s “abusive, harassing, and vulgar” speech. He frequently went on profanity-laced tirades where he not only criticized the game itself, but also hurled personal insults toward members on EA’s development and community teams.
The video that resulted in Kurt’s ban included excessive swearing at EA’s development team and spitting on EA’s logo. Kurt previously called FIFA’s community manager a “bum” and “incompetent” among other far more profane and insulting descriptions.
In concluding its statement, EA pointed out its resources for reporting harassing behavior. It also provided feedback mechanisms for players to voice criticism if they are unhappy with EA games. The company also reaffirmed its commitment to “a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone without fear of harassment or abuse” and said its Code of Conduct is intended to foster “communities where everyone feels safe and respected.”
In response, Kurt released a video defending his conduct. Kurt denied threatening any EA employees or encouraging his viewers to harass them. For now, the streamer has moved onto producing videos on FIFA competitor Pro Evolution Soccer by Konami.
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