ZeRo, one of the biggest professional players in theSuper Smash Bros. community, has responded to allegations of sexual misconduct. TheSuper Smash Bros.fanbase has been hit hard with disturbing allegations of violence, exploitation of minors, and sexual harassment and misconduct.
ProfessionalSuper Smash Bros.player and streamer ZeRois among them. Multiple accusers have come forth to claim that ZeRo sent them inappropriate pictures, made sexual advancements, and more all while they were minors. After various stretches of silence and back and forth tweets on Twitter, Gonzalo “ZeRo” Barrios has said that he is coming clean.
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In a TwitLonger post, Barrios states that the accusations of individuals such as Katie and Laura are “generally true.” He states that he was unaware of their age at the time, but that he did indeed send “unforgivable” messages. Barrios claims that there were no graphic images, but that he feels “absolutely terrible about it.” Barrios ends the statement by pleading with his fans to be unlike him, saying “I love you guys. Please don’t be like me, and please don’t forgive me either. I won’t forgive myself either.”
Just as soon as ZeRo’s post went online, one of the apparent victims responded by claiming that he is not fessing up to all of it. Jisu states that Barrios lied, attempted damage control, and only came clean once he realized how bad he messed up. Jisu says that she will be posting her statement of the account, along with other girls, some who have chosen to remain anonymous.
When reading Barrios' statement, it may come across as someone who is admitting to less than the full picture. While sending inappropriate messages is abhorrent, his claims of never deserving forgiveness when he apparently didn’t know the ages of the girls, or never sent graphic images may not line up to some.
Barrios refutes that he had sex with any of the minors, claiming that he was not 5-years older than his girlfriend, and that he only had sexual relations with her once she was 18. The soon to be released statement by Jisu and others could show what ZeRo should truly be sorry for.
The shockingSuper Smash Bros.professional community allegationsmay be unlike anything in gaming. Unfortunately, the information that is coming out shows that there may have been a revolting, immoral, and illegal culture of disgusting acts within the community that stretch far beyond a few members.
Nintendo has responded to the sexual misconduct accusationsin the community by stating that it is “deeply disturbed by the allegations raised against certain members of the competitive gaming community” and that it condemns “all acts of violence, harassment, and exploitation against anyone.” Nintendo is standing with the victims.
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