UPDATE 5/19: Facebook Gaming (via GamesIndustry.biz) cut ties with both Jeff Leach and NitroLukeDX - the latter due to "behavior on prior streams" - on May 13. This comes after Leach accused NitroLukeDX of manipulating the footage of Leach circulated on social media, as well as after Twitter users pointed out similarly "highly offensive and demeaning language" in previous NitroLukeDX videos, according to GamesIndustry.biz.
The original article follows, but it has been updated to more accurately represent Leach's comments and who they were directed towards in the social media clips.
Voice actor and comedian Jeff Leach, most recently known for his work in the Call of Duty franchise, has apologized to the gaming community after a video circulated of him making offensive and derogatory comments towards a fellow streamer and, later, someone in the chat of one of his livestreams. Leach voiced Simon "Ghost" Riley in 2019's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Warzone. He also provided his voice in other titles like Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War and Battlestar Galactica: Deadlock.
The video clips, compiled by YouTuber NitroLukeDX and shared on May 7, showed Leach making demeaning comments towards streamer Natalie "ZombiUnicorn" Casanova in 2017 and towards someone in Leach's chat in late 2020. This footage led to Activision, publisher of the Call of Duty franchise, releasing a statement announcing the ending of its relationship with Leach on May 8, saying, "Sexism has no place in our industry, our games or in society. Activision is no longer working with Jeff Leach. We strongly condemn these remarks. We are committed to delivering a fun and safe experience for all players."
Using TwitLonger, Leach shared a statement on Twitter on May 14 (via Dexerto). He apologized for reacting "passionately in situations where I felt attacked, targeted or harassed," claiming his "rancor towards them was not only wrong but also the antithesis of my relationship with my fan base and the inclusive message I try to promote - and for this, I am deeply sorry but also ashamed." Leach's statement went on to apologize to the individuals and business partners harmed by his actions, but he did not identify any of the targets of his outbursts by name.
Some have turned out in support of the actor, whom many look on fondly for his role in the Call of Duty franchise. Activision has not offered an official response to Leach's apology, but it is unlikely the company's decision to cut ties with him will be reversed any time soon. It should be noted that Leach is not the only actor to have portrayed Ghost since the character's debut in 2009's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, so his absence isn't likely to be a major obstacle toward featuring the character in future installments of the series.
Video games are used by many as an escape from the hardships of everyday life, so it follows that gaming should not be a space where hateful language and verbal abuse are tolerated. The Call of Duty series and its playerbase has long been notorious for this sort of language, and Leach is far from the first public figure to find himself in such a situation. In March, NBA player Meyers Leonard was caught using a slur in a Warzone stream, prompting many of his gaming sponsors to cut ties with him. Hopefully, companies and platforms will begin taking a more proactive approach to the issues of hate speech and harassment, rather than only taking notice after prominent figures are called out for it.
Source: Jeff Leach (via Dexerto)