Evo Online cancelled after allegations against former CEO

After allegations of abuse from members and competitors surfaced against former Evo CEO Joey Cuellar, Evo announced Cuellar “will no longer be involved with Evo in any capacity.”

This evening, Evo mentioned it is “currently working towards his complete separation from the company and have relieved him of all his responsibilities.”

“We are shocked and saddened by these events, but we are listening and committed to making every change that will be necessary in making Evo a better model for the stronger, safer culture we all seek.”

https://twitter.com/EVO/status/1278859734099963904

This announcement comes after Evo announced earlier today it became aware “of the accusations that have been made against Joey Cuellar.” He was first placed on administrative leave “pending a third party investigation.”

https://twitter.com/EVO/status/1278573278118899712

After the morning announcement, companies such as Capcom, NetherRealm, Bandai Namco, and Mane6, decided to pull out of the upcoming Evo Online tournament. Evo later decided to cancel Evo Online which was going to start on July 4th.

We stand in solidarity with those who have spoken out against abuse. We will be pulling MK11 from EVO Online.

— NetherRealm (@NetherRealm) July 2, 2020

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— Capcom Fighters (@CapcomFighters) July 2, 2020

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— Mane6 Dev Team (TFH Official) (@mane6dev) July 3, 2020

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— Bandai Namco Esports (@BNEesports) July 3, 2020

An hour before Evo’s tweet, Cuellar posted an apology on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/MrWiz/status/1278846403716866048

“I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt anyone. I was young and reckless and did things I’m not proud of,” he wrote. “I have been growing and maturing over the past 20 years, but that doesn’t excuse anything. All I have been trying to do is become a better person. Once again, I’m truly sorry.”

Tony Cannon has now become the acting CEO at Evo.

[Sources]: PC Gamer: Evo Online canceled following allegations of sexual misconduct against its president. IGN: Evo Online Canceled Following Allegations Against Former CEO.