FaZe Clan halts FaZe1 Warehouse show after “wave of positive tests”
Twitter: ernstoTV / DexertoFaZe Clan’s new reality show, ‘The Warehouse,’ has been postponed, after coming under scrutiny as a “wave of positive tests” have prompted the disqualification of multiple contestants.
In a massive leap for live-streamed projects, FaZe has unveiled its very own live show, ‘The Warehouse,’ which aims to add a new content creator into its ever-growing fold.
The show pits 20 influencers against each other in a ‘Big Brother’ style competition, with all participants living together in FaZe’s decked-out warehouse space for fifteen days (until May 20).
The proceedings are streamed on Twitch 24/7, with individual creators taking control of the stream for an hour each day. The challenges are high-stakes, the games are fun, and the prize is an enviable spot in the FaZe Clan lineup. Fans are understandably hyped.
Unfortunately, a wave of positive cases have prompted the disqualification of five participants mere days after it kicked off on May 6. Those affected include Potter, ENZO, Ernsto, Reversah, and Legend.
Due to unfortunate circumstances, @Reversahh, @LORDENZO, & @Legends6K are unable to join us at #FAZE1 The Warehouse. These 3 all deserved their spot in the Top 20 and we hope to see them soon!
Stepping in as alternates, please welcome @KinGImpaaacT & @FutureFrostOps to the show! pic.twitter.com/FDu6DxrPaD
— FaZe Clan (@FaZeClan) May 7, 2022
While fans were quick to send their sympathies to the disqualified players and a warm welcome to their alternates, a tearful video from Ernsto on May 10 has sparked some backlash against FaZe for DQ’ing players instead of pressing pause on the competition.
“I really thought this was it, man,” Ernsto said through tears. “I really thought this was the one. But whoever’s up there watching me, I guess it wasn’t my time.”
I’m heartbroken 💔
Tested positive for COVID. My biggest dream taken away from me because of something out of my control.
Thank you for all the support over the #FaZe1 challenge. I will NEVER quit until I join @FaZeClan.
Thank you @FaZeApex and @cbass #FaZeErnsto Forever pic.twitter.com/jZ4bJYtB40
— ernsto (@ernsto305) May 10, 2022
Commenters across Twitter are now calling on FaZe to change their approach to health concerns regarding the show.
“FaZe Clan is not handling this well,” one user wrote. “This is literally just turning into whoever’s lucky enough to not get [redacted] joins FaZe. They need to give everyone a chance again.”
@FaZeClan is not handling this well… this is literally just turning into whoever’s lucky enough to not get COVID joins FaZe. They need to give everyone a chance again.
— Obey Whoh (@WHOH) May 10, 2022
“I find it so ridiculous that FaZe didn’t have a protocol in place for such a relevant issue in today’s day and age,” another said. “This is so unfair to everyone who spent months competing to be disqualified over something they can’t control.”
I find it so ridiculous that FaZe didn’t have a protocol in place for such a relevant issue in today’s day and age. This is so unfair to everyone who spent months competing to be disqualified over something they can’t control. I’m really sorry to see this Ernsto :/
— G FUEL | Necca (@Necca) May 10, 2022
FaZe Mew — a professional gamer and content creator for FaZe — has offered some insight into the current situation, citing “contracts, sponsors, production crew, etc.” as reasons why “the show must go on.”
To everyone who says reschedule to whole FaZe1 show, I know how frustrating it is to see your fav creators be DQ for something they can’t control. But assuming because of contracts, sponsors, production crew, etc. they can’t. The show must go on. My prayers to the contestants.
— @Mews (@Vietnamews) May 10, 2022
FaZe Clan responds to FaZe 1 Warehouse show disqualifications
Shortly after this article was initially published, FaZe issued a statement in a video via Twitter. In the video clip, Warehouse host FaZe ‘cbass’ Sabastian appeared to assure the DQ’d contestants that FaZe would continue to keep them in mind in spite of their early exit from the show.
Cbass also explained that, although the ongoing global health issue is “an active situation and changing all the time, for the sake of the contestants we have here, we are committed to moving forward.”
To @ernstoTV, @Potter, @Reversahh, @LORDENZO, & @Legends6K – we're incredibly sorry to see your #FAZE1 journey come to an end this way.
We believe in your talents and abilities, and picked you to be in the Top 20 for a reason. We know your stories with FaZe Clan do not end here. pic.twitter.com/MC0XiFptwN
— FaZe Clan (@FaZeClan) May 11, 2022
The organization then followed up by confirming the show will be rescheduled, and that the disqualified contestants will be allowed to return.
Big W 🙏🏻🙏🏻 Excited to see everyone who got covid back in , as well as the people who didn’t even get to step foot inside 🔥🔥🔥 let’s gooo!!
— FaZe Apex (@FaZeApex) May 11, 2022
No exact date has been provided, but the org said it will do so when it is safe to resume.