Summit1g slams “dipshit” trolls after donator makes vile ‘joke’

Twitch streamer Jaryd ‘summit1g‘ Lazar hit out at a troll donator on his June 28 stream, explaining that such individuals, who sit guarded behind their computer screens, can have a deep, negative impact on the internet stars of today.

Summit’s comments come only days after the tragic death of YouTuber and streamer Desmond Daniel ‘Etika’ Amofah, who took his own life at the age of 29 on June 19.

Months of very public breakdowns and mental health problems prior to his suicide left many asking why more wasn’t done to help, when the signs were clear to see, and, as summit1g argues, there is blame to be placed with the many online trolls who target not only Etika, but all online figures.

Summit1g took aim after a Twitch viewer ‘joked’ about Etika’s tragic passing.

After a particularly disrespectful donation came in from a user aptly named ‘offensivejoke’, mocking Etika’s passing, summit quickly banned them, before explaining to his viewers why a single comment like that was part of a bigger problem.

“I wouldn’t even call that a joke. I would say that you are one of the people who failed him [Etika],” Lazar stated, recommending his viewers read Richard Lewis’ sobering account of how the internet failed Etika.

“The internet is a huge, huge reason for this even happening,” the streamer continued, “It’s real sad, that dipshits like you take things for granted behind your fucking computer screen because you think you’re safe, because nobody knows who you are.”

“You shit on others who put themselves out there, we’re the ones sitting out here talking, and you just sit there in your dumbass basement,” summit concluded, telling the troll “you are the reason my friend.”

• Read More: Richard Lewis: Is Twitch doing enough to protect children on its platform?

As a veteran of streaming, summit1g has undoubtedly experienced more than his fair share of hate, trolls, and negativity from a small minority of ‘fans’.

While he has millions of loyal and supportive fans too, it is often the negative minority who are loudest. Although summit is rarely one to complain about ‘haters’, the passing of Etika will have prompted a realization among many popular online figures that it’s important to be wary of negative influences and how they can affect their mental wellbeing.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, or know someone that is, and you would like to talk to someone, please reach out and call the Suicide Prevention Helpline 1-800-273-8255 (USA) or the Samaritans 116-123 (UK).