H3H3’s Ethan Klein explains why Tfue’s FaZe contract is “evil”
H3 Highlights, Tfue / YouTubePopular Fortnite Battle Royale pro Turner ‘Tfue’ Tenney has been the talk of the gaming community, after suing esports organization FaZe over his contract – an binding agreement that YouTuber and commentator Ethan Klein feels is “disgraceful.”
Klein discussed Tfue’s contract drama during an episode of the H3 Podcast on May 24, where he called the agreement “evil” and “predatory,” noting the 80/20 and 50/50 splits in favor of FaZe – as well as the clause that would prevent Tfue from competing for six months after termination.
“That kind of clause has no place in a contract,” Klein said of the matter. “In the real world, that would be so illegal, so wildly inappropriate. For them to even include this is shocking, it’s appalling, it’s a shame. It’s a disgrace. It’s an embarrassment.”
Klein went on to call for more regulation in the esports industry, arguing that the gamers involved in building up the enterprise are largely young, hungry, and “vulnerable rising stars.”
This wouldn’t be the first time Klein has spoken out on the issue, either; he even called for Tfue to release the contract himself, claiming that one of FaZe co-owner Ricky Banks’ Tweets on the subject was a breach of NDA.
This tweet seems like a breach of confidentiality which could void any NDA you may have signed @TTfue, meaning you could release the contract yourself.
— Ethan Klein (@h3h3productions) May 23, 2019
“This tweet seems like a breach of confidentiality, which could void any NDA you may have signed Tfue, meaning you could release the contract yourself,” Klein wrote.
FaZe has since claimed that they offered Tfue a number of new contracts with far more lucrative deals for the gaming pro, which included such benefits as a seven-figure salary with no splits, whatsoever.
However, FaZe CEO Lee Trink claims that Tfue never wanted to sign a new contract, alleging that their Fortnite Battle Royale star hopes to ultimately be freed from FaZe to begin his own esports organization – hence his lawsuit.
Tfue’s move has since been met with mixed opinions on both sides, with some fans finding the sudden lawsuit a major betrayal to FaZe Banks and the organization that aided in his current popularity, while others applaud Tenney for calling out his oppressive contract.