NAVI streamer and former Valorant professional Ardis ‘ardiis’ Svarenieks has apologized after dealing with backlash for feedback made throughout a Valorant Sport Changers co-stream that many viewers described as transphobic.
The apology comes after clips from the stream unfold throughout social media, prompting criticism from members of the Valorant group and requires Riot Video games and NAVI to reply.
Through the Sport Changers co-stream, ardiis and former Fnatic participant Leo ‘Leo’ Jannesson referred to sure gamers as “Bumblebees,” a time period many viewers interpreted as a reference to transgender opponents.
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Ardiis additionally mentioned, “I don’t wish to get banned, however we’d like a nickname for them, bro,” earlier than joking that he may change genders himself to compete within the league.
The feedback had been broadly condemned, with some followers accusing the pair of utilizing transphobic language and urging Riot Video games to take away them from future Sport Changers broadcasts.
Following the backlash, ardiis posted a public apology on X.
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“Hey everybody,” he wrote. “The feedback I made on stream concerning the transgender group had been unacceptable. Even for me it was an excessive amount of.
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“I’m so sorry to everybody I offended; it received’t occur once more. Peace and like to everybody.”
Nevertheless, ardiis beforehand defended himself on stream, claiming ladies had privately thanked him for talking out and mentioned he was bringing extra consideration to the Sport Changers scene.
“Have you learnt what number of ladies have messaged me saying ‘I can’t go public, however thanks’? Minimal 5. I’m the one one placing eyes on the Sport Changers scene.”
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In one other clip, he argued that those that have a “regular upbringing” can by no means be trans.
“I feel if [you have] a standard upbringing, with household tree, and also you’re a loving mom and daughter with no household trauma, trans isn’t an choice.
“I feel trans on this group occurs in case you have like some trauma in your childhood, or possibly you could have like an abusive father or abusive mom, or some sh*t like this. You then really feel alone as a baby, you go right into a group on-line that’s this trans, no matter group. They settle for you, they mildew you, they are saying ‘oh we love you, we do that, you’re not likely a boy who’s 10 years previous, you’re actually known as Amelia.”
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Riot’s 2026 VCT Sport Changers rulebook states that eligible gamers should establish as ladies or gender numerous, with the competitors designed to create alternatives and visibility for ladies and different marginalized genders in Valorant esports.
