Kelra’s Homophobic And Sexist Remarks Spark Social Media Backlash
Grant Duane “Kelra” Pillas sparked a social media backlash after evidence of his homophobic slurs and sexist remarks in a live stream surfaced.
In a now-deleted TikTok by user @secsipa, the MPL star can be heard saying that “Wise and V33nus bl***j*b each other” as he refers to the V33Wise tandem from Blacklist International.
After boisterous laughter, he then proceeded to say goblok which is an Indonesian term for ‘stupid’.
The clip is believed to be taken from RRQ Hoshi’s Albert “Alberttt” Iskandar’s live stream.
In the same live stream, Kelra also stated sexist remarks against IDONOTSLEEP Esports’ Patchara “Ramella” Korpakdee.
MLBB and MPL fans were outraged and expressed their concerns about Kelra’s homophobia and sexism.
Blacklist was so welcoming to kelra and his team bcs they both “respect” each other, but seeing what kelra did, debunked that respect. Veewise respected u as a player, the whole team did, just to know u’re sharing homophobic remarks? Not only that but also sexualizing two people? pic.twitter.com/SSWg8KHKK6
— kimon (@zen_atty) August 15, 2021
allowing kelra to play this season will send a clear message about how you tolerate prejudice and hatred @MplPhilippines just suspend him. kawawa din ibang players at baka maovershadow ng controversy yung efforts nila this S8.
— ? (@X1NNER) August 15, 2021
MPL personalities such as Caisam “Wolf” Nopueto and Theo “Uomi” Ignacio also gave out their thoughts on the issues.
Trending ngayon si Kelra. Lessons:
– Wag kang homophobic
– Ingat sa mga sinasabi mo online. Whether or not sikat ka. Soc Med is a responsibility.
– Magmahalan tayong lahat.
– Hindi tayo perfect, i'm sure may time na salbahe tayong lahat. Educate others if they made mistakes.— Casting Coach Wolf (@wolfcasts) August 15, 2021
Sexism and homophobia in esports has a long history, but that doesn't mean we can't make the future better.
Again, I strongly suggest esports orgs in PH to invest in social and gender sensitivity classes for players & staff.
Change begins with education & realization. https://t.co/78EGJmY9Yw
— UOMI @ MPL-PH Season 8 (@uomiph) August 16, 2021
MPL-PH has decided to issue a fourteen-day suspension for the Smart Omega pro, granted him and his team a serious warning, imposed a fine towards him, and required all MPL-PH franchise teams to attend a Gender Sensitivity and Sexual Harassment Awareness Training Seminar.
Official Statement of MPL-Philippines Regarding Grant Duane "Kelra" Pillas pic.twitter.com/IurL6iKp2q
— MPL Philippines (@MplPhilippines) August 16, 2021
Meanwhile, Kelra has since issued a public apology to the V33Wise duo in his Facebook page.
This is a developing story. This article will be updated upon the confirmation of relevant events.
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