David Parker | Godz · @BTSGoDz
26th Jun 2020 from TwitLonger
Dear Dota 2,
Horrendous stories from victims around the Dota 2 and gaming scene as a whole have come out highlighting the problems in our scene. That women aren't safe. That women can't speak up. That women aren't heard. We as a community are responsible for that. BTS and myself are responsible for any part we played in negatively shaping the dota community over the years.
I’m disappointed in myself & BTS for allowing this harmful culture to go unchallenged, and we should be held accountable.
Llama received unwarranted hatred for things entirely outside of her casting, and BTS didn’t do enough to support her. It wasn't acceptable for her to be treated that way. I truly wish I had looked further into the Llama and Grant situation. I’d like to apologize to Llama personally for that.
I wish I had asked more questions about Toby. It was rumored and brought up that Toby was creepy around women. BTS still hired Toby. I didn’t ask more questions and I should have. Next time, I will.
What's become clear to me, is just how inaction can be so destructive. Inaction has created an environment where women don’t feel safe at events. Women are forced to whisper to each other about which guys to avoid. Women feel silenced and powerless to speak up about people we hired for BTS events. The dota scene would be a more welcoming place for women if we did more. I'm sorry to those we let down.
I want to focus on what BTS and myself can do next.
- BTS will not be working with Toby, Demon, or Grant again in the future.
- BTS will be reflecting internally and working hard to improve our company culture, diversity, hiring practices, event policies, and more.
- Based on feedback from women in the company and community, BTS will be strengthening our company values and principles to encourage a far more inclusive and safe environment.
- I will inform and discuss with other tournament organizers, studios, teams, etc when allegations or rumors arise.
- I will listen to women, and I will act on information brought to myself or BTS.
I encourage anyone to reach out to me if you have anything to share. I will listen, but I can also help. Anything you share will be in full confidence. I recognize I am in a position to help change things and I promise I will do so as much as I can.