Blacklist challenges gaming community after players received homophobic remarks: 'How can we be better?'

Blacklist International issued a challenge to the gaming community after two players from its Mobile Legends team received homophobic remarks from a rival esports athlete.

In a video clip from a streamed game which surfaced this weekend, Blacklist's Jhonmar "OhMyV33nus" Villaluna and Danerie "Wise" Rosario were mentioned in offensive comments from Omega Esports player Grant Duane "Kelra" Pillas.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Blacklist expressed disappointment on the incident, but acknowledged that "this goes beyond this issue alone."

"Words are not just words—they matter. Words affect people regardless of gender preference or sexual orientation," the organization said. "We recognize that for us to move forward as an industry, we have to unlearn some deep-rooted behaviors and habits in the gaming culture that foster an unsafe environment for anyone."

Words matter. Now, how can we #BeBetter? pic.twitter.com/PzXPH92o5n

— Blacklist International (@BLACKLISTINTL) August 17, 2021

The team encouraged everyone to observe how their thoughts were shaped by their upbringing and experiences, as this affects how people speak online and offline.

"Popularly-used words that are regarded as 'normal' are not always right. Words matter. Now, how can we #BeBetter?" the team said.

Blacklist also said it prioritized ensuring the well-being of its athletes the past two days and vowed to assist them "through any plan of action they wish to pursue."

Meanwhile, Omega Esports said they were disappointed with Kelra's behavior.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines imposed a fine and two-week suspension on Kelra following the incident. He issued a public apology on Sunday.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/MGP, GMA News