Nadeshot has responded after facing backlash for a new gambling streaming deal at the same time 100 Thieves announced company layoffs.
The 100 Thieves founder posted a video on September 8 addressing two major controversies: his partnership with Rubet for gambling streams, and the news that 12 staff members had been laid off from the esports and lifestyle brand. Both developments surfaced almost simultaneously, sparking criticism from fans.
In the video, Nadeshot explained that he is no longer CEO of 100 Thieves and has not been involved in day-to-day operations for nearly two years. He said the layoffs were finalized without his input, and that he only learned about them after the fact.
“I get it. I didn’t even realize that they were finalized… the people that are affected by those layoffs, those are the people that we should feel empathy for,” he said, adding that he hopes the affected staff “land on their feet.”
Nadeshot breaks silence on 100 Thieves layoffs and gambling controversy
Alongside the layoffs, Nadeshot’s new deal with Rubet also drew backlash. Critics questioned the morality of gambling content, especially given his younger audience. Nadeshot pushed back, citing YouTube analytics that showed almost none of his viewers are under 18, with the majority aged 25 to 34.
“I’m not NickEh30 doing Fortnite fashion shows for kids,” he said. “I got offered an ungodly amount of money to go do something that I enjoy doing already… Don’t gamble, you will lose. But if Drake, Trainwrecks, xQc, some of the biggest names in entertainment are doing this, I don’t know why it feels like I’m the first one.”
Nadeshot admitted the timing of the two announcements was “terrible,” but maintained they were unrelated. He emphasized that his Mexico trip for Rubet streams had been planned weeks in advance and scheduled around his wife’s pregnancy.
