User:Tamirc/sandbox

Blizzard Entertainment's conflict with Blitzchung
In October 2019, during Blizzard Entertainment’s official Hearthstone esports post-match interview, contestant Ng Wai Chung (Blitzchung) expressed support for Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protest which resulted in Blizzard imposing a one year ban and forfeit of any prize money Blitzchung had won up until then. Critics of Blizzard's harsh response claimed the company's fear of business ties in mainland China being tarnished motivated the punishment. Blizzard President J. Allen Brack rejected this claim and stated that it had “no influence on our decision”. Blizzard justified its punishment by citing the responsibility of its esports contestants to avoid instigating political drama for the company. After receiving a letter from several United States Senators and Members of Congress pushing for the company to uphold free speech, Blizzard agreed to reduce the severity of its punishment.