Mang0 taking 'step back from streaming and social media' after Cloud9 drop and stream controversy

Streamer Joseph 'Mang0' Marquez has said he is taking a "step back from streaming and social media" following controversies during an event hosted by Ludwig Ahgren which led him to be dropped by professional esports organisation Cloud9.

In a lengthy statement posted on X / Twitter, Mang0 posted: "I want to start by being real about what happened. I made multiple people feel uncomfortable while drunk at Beerio Kart. There's no excuse. It was messed up, it hurt people and I crossed a line. I take full responsibility for it. I've already reached out to the people involved to try to make things right.

"I also let down my family and close friends. I want to apologise to my son. I know this is something he'll have to carry. And Joseph, if you ever see this, I'm sorry. I'm going to be better for both of us.

"After reflecting on the worst moments of my life, I see a pattern: alcohol has always been involved. I understand that my words mean nothing right now and alcohol excuses zero percent of my actions but I promise I'm gonna beat this and show you that I can be a greater man without the influence of alcohol. I know my Grandma is looking down and rooting for me.

" I lost my C9 [Cloud9] family. People I've known for years. People I care about. That phone call with Jack hit hard. It felt like I let down someone who was like a second dad to me. I still don't really know how to think about it. As for the ban, I support it. I've always wanted what is best for [Super Smash Bros] Melee.

"My next step is to focus on real recovery. I’ve already started researching rehab and will be checking into one when I find the right fit. ... For the near future, I'm going to take a step back from streaming and social media.

"Hopefully next time you see me, things are better. No matter how long it takes."

Ludwig hosted the Beerio Kart World Cup, a Mario Kart tournament where he invited 23 other creators to join him for drinks and some races.

Mang0, who is one of the best Super Smash Bros players of all time, has previously attended these events and won them. However this time around, he was knocked out early and started acting inappropriately towards other streamers.

He was very drunk and started making others visibly uncomfortable, including one viral clip of him making thrusting motions with his hips towards streamer Maya.

After the event, Ludwig confirmed he would not be inviting Mang0 to any of his future events.

Mang0 then addressed what happened on social media and admitted he has a "problem".

He posted: "Feel like I let so many people down. Talked to a few friends and just realised I have a problem. Everyone has coddled me for so long and kinda looked the other way when it came to my drinking. Don't want anyone to feel bad for me / defend me.

"Sorry to everyone I've let down or hurt. I know it just looks like im trying to save face but I genuinely feel so awful about it. All I've done is reflect on my life and realised I'm a broken human. I will try and redeem myself over time as I always do.

"Gonna stop drinking immediately and get it together. Sorry that I'm a f*** up but I will and can be better."

Mang0 was part of esports organisation Cloud9 but on social media, it said it had become aware of what had happened and the decision was made to drop him.

In a statement posted on X / Twitter, Cloud9 posted: "We are aware of the recent incident involving Jospeh 'Mang0' Marquez and fully acknowledge the concerns raised by our community and partners.

"Following an internal evaluation, we have made the decision to release Mang0 from Cloud9.

"Regardless of tenure or accomplishments, the behaviour demonstrated is entirely unacceptable and directly conflicts with our organisation's core values. We maintain a zero-tolerance stance regarding harassment or any other form of inappropriate conduct."

Mang0 has been with Cloud9 since 2014 in one of the longest running esports partnerships.

And Mang0 addressed being dropped by Cloud9 with his own social media post.

He posted: "C9 dropping me. Probably getting banned from tourneys. F****** s*** man. No one to blame but myself but man.

"Never thought I could hit this low. Probably won't hear from me for a while. I'm sorry everyone. Wish I was better. I had it all and f****** tossed it in the trashcan."

Elsewhere from indy100, Amouranth's husband complains about monthly income dropping from $2m to $1.2m and an obsessed fan recently broke into Kai Cenat's home to watch him sleep and give him snacks.

How to join the indy100's free WhatsApp channel

Sign up to our free indy100 weekly newsletter

Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.