"Obviously, not all people in Palestine are trash" - Asmongold explains why he apologized following recent controversy

Twitch star Zack "Asmongold" has explained why he decided to apologize following his recent controversy. For those unaware, the content creator made headlines after sharing his views on the ongoing Gaza conflict. During a livestream on October 13, 2024, the Texan referred to the region's residents as "these people" and added that they come from an "inferior culture that is horrible":

"These people are not your allies, they are not the same as us. They come from an inferior culture that is horrible. It kills people for their identity, is directly antithetical to everything Western values stand for, and is an inferior culture in all ways. It is that simple. No! I don’t feel bad for them. I don't feel sorry for them. I don't care! I don't support them. It’s that simple."

The streamer faced backlash from the online community, with some accusing him of racism.

On October 16, 2024, Asmongold announced that he was stepping away from OTK (One True King) and Starforge System leadership in light of the controversy. He also apologized for his comments.

He later posted an update on his official subreddit explaining why he apologized. Commenting on his decision to "use Palestinians interchangeably with religious fanatics," the 34-year-old wrote:

"Because it was r**arded to use Palestinians interchangeably with religious fanatics/terrorists. Obviously, not all people in Palestine are trash. It's really not that complicated. Also--it wasn't just that issue. Don't let yourself become ideologically captured by a worldview to the point where it makes you so unreasonable that you turn into what you're fighting against. No one 'wins' when I stand behind a statement that's false or a mischaracterization."

An excerpt from the Twitch streamer's post on his official subreddit (Image via Reddit.com/r/Asmongold)

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Asmongold says it is "his fault" that the "vibes and feel" of his recent livestreams have been a "lot more tense"

In the same Reddit post, Asmongold stated that the "vibes and feel" of his recent broadcasts have been a "lot more tense." While claiming that it was "his fault," the content creator said he would "try to be more positive and less mean-spirited":

"The vibes and feel of the stream recently has been a lot more tense and a lot of that is my fault. If you think that means my first stream back is going to be playing Dustborn and promoting Sweet Baby, I think you'll be very disappointed. I'm not changing anything other than trying to be more positive and less mean-spirited."

Why apologize? byu/Asmongold inAsmongold

Furthermore, Asmongold stated that his apology had nothing to do with sponsors. Claiming that his comments about Palestine and Gaza "wasn't even in the top five worst things he's said," the Twitch streamer added:

"Also sponsors had nothing to do with it, this wasn't even in the top 5 worst things I've said. I've wanted to step away from leadership and take a break from all of that for a while now (over 1 year) because the amount of commitments compounded on top of maintaining my streaming schedule was unironically ruining my life. Also, if I'm not involved with them, why would it matter what I say?"

Asmongold concluded the Reddit post with:

"Hopefully y'all can see how this really is a macro issue and not just this situation. My life has actually been f**ked for a while now and I need to fix it. I am a 34-year-old single man living in his mother's house with dead animals and garbage. Although I don't 'hate' it, I don't want to die this way."

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OTK has addressed the controversy, denouncing "all forms of discrimination and violence" and acknowledging Asmongold's decision to step away from his roles at the organization.