Kathmandu— Zack ‘Asmongold’ Hoyt, a prominent US-based streamer, has been banned from Twitch following remarks he made regarding migrants attempting to enter the Spanish territory of Ceuta in late July. Asmongold suggested that authorities should use lethal force—including shooting migrants and their children—to deter future crossings, sparking widespread criticism and leading to a 14-day suspension from the streaming platform. The comments stemmed from his reaction to video footage depicting a surge of approximately 50,000-60,000 people, primarily young Moroccan men, crossing into Ceuta, overwhelming local authorities and resulting in over 100 deaths.

The Ceuta Influx

In late July, the Spanish enclave of Ceuta experienced an unprecedented influx of migrants, with around 50,000 to 60,000 people—roughly 70% of the enclave’s regular population—attempting to cross its perimeter in a single day. The sudden surge overwhelmed authorities and led to chaotic scenes, as well as a significant loss of life, with over 100 people perishing during their attempt to reach Ceuta via the Mediterranean Sea.

Asmongold's Remarks

Responding to video coverage of the crisis, Asmongold dismissed arguments against harsh treatment of migrants traveling with children as “emotional blackmail.” He stated that individuals should not bring children if they did not want them harmed, and went on to suggest shooting anyone attempting to cross, regardless of age or gender. He further claimed that migrants would exploit lenient policies, using women and children as shields, characterizing them as “animals” and “savages.”

Backlash and Defense

Asmongold’s account was suspended shortly after the comments surfaced. While Twitch has not publicly stated a reason for the suspension, it is understood to be a 14-day ban. The streamer subsequently released a video on YouTube defending his position, arguing that the influx constituted “a military invasion” and justifying Spain's right to use lethal force in response. He also maintained that sparing migrants who travel with children would only incentivize human traffickers. Critics, including fellow streamer Hasan Piker, accused Asmongold of advocating violence against migrant children, while some supporters cited perceived inconsistencies in Twitch’s moderation policies.

Previous Controversy

This is not the first time Asmongold has faced repercussions from Twitch. In October 2024, he was previously banned for suggesting Palestinians in Gaza belong to an “inferior culture” and expressing a lack of sympathy for Palestinian deaths during the conflict with Israel; he later issued an apology.

As of Saturday, Asmongold continues to defend his statements regarding the Ceuta migrant crisis and has expressed no remorse for his comments. Twitch has not provided further details on the duration or specifics of the ban beyond the initial 14-day period.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.