Richard "Banks," also known as FaZe Banks, the CEO of FaZe Clan, a multi-million dollar e-sports and content creation company, has recently found himself at the center of online controversy. In a video posted on X, the Los Angeles-based internet personality was seen hugging his assistant, Pierce, at a restaurant.
The paparazzi present at the restaurant captured the following video.
On receiving backlash, Banks responded by calling his critics "homophobic weirdos" in a now-deleted post on his X page:
"I promise you it's the homophobic weirdos who stay on everyone's d*ck constantly accusing people of being gay, who are closeted gay. Why do you even care?"
FaZe Banks claims that the entire situation was a "bit", orchestrated by him to ward off the paparazzi:
"This was a part of a bit and intended to be filmed. Paparazzi wouldn't leave me and this group of girls alone so me and Pierce (currently my PA to this day), trolled them."
"There's no such thing as privacy anymore" - Fans react to the FaZe Banks situation
This incident led to the streamer receiving some backlash, with many questioning his sexuality. The FaZe CEO chirped back in his now-deleted post, highlighting the paparazzi and deeming such controversial statements as homophobic:
Numerous responses from the viewers adopted a controversial tone:
"Lol, can’t wait for the 'FAZE: the dark side of influencers' documentary to come out." said @SockOnDeezLIVE on X
"Banks is not beating these allegations" said @ViolentFight on X
Many defended FaZe Banks and argued his behavior was nothing out of the ordinary:
"Bro Banks has always been like this, it's also not a gay thing. People need to relax." said UltraGGx on X
"There's no such thing as privacy anymore." said @amynys on X
"People are just canceling influencers for fun... It’s like how degenerates are in crypto... Searching for that next high, over and over again." said @0xStylo on X
"F**k cancel culture, Banks is a legend." said @davidtejaras on X
As of writing, FaZe Banks has not made any further comments regarding the situation. In other news, Banks recently had issues with Twitch streamer Bruce "BruceDropEmOff", when the former allegedly fat-shamed FaZe member Lacy.