MSI Ends Partnership With Method Following Sexual Misconduct Allegations

PC manufacturer MSI has publicly stated that they are in the processes of ending all its partnership agreements with Method.

Following the serious allegations of sexual misconduct by high-ranking members of Method, PC manufacturer MSI has publicly stated that they are in the processes of ending all its partnership agreements with the organization. CORSAIR made a recent announcement of a similar nature, and there is little doubt that anyone associated with Method will soon cut ties if they have not done so already.

It comes as no surprise to see everyone distancing themselves as much as possible from Method, because recent revelations have been extreme. Technically, this began several months ago when allegations were made against certain key individuals in the organization, but it seems that this only gained traction and credibility this past week. Specifically, a World of Warcraft streamer known only as Josh is alleged to have committed sexual assault and to have solicited minors for nude images.

The reason this has imploded the entire organization is because the initial reports of sexual harassment came months prior but were not acted upon. More specifically, CEO and co-founder Scott McMillan explained in a TwitLonger statement that management has received an email from an anonymous email account alleging the illegal activity as far back as January of 2019, and six months later they were made aware of a police investigation against Josh, but business continued as usual at Method.

In April of this year, Josh apparently provided Method with proof that the investigation had ended and no action would be taken against him. This conclusion to the police investigation along with an ongoing denial of wrongdoing seemed plausible enough for Method to put the matter aside and worked to reinstate Josh’s Twitch account.

However, by June 24 it became apparent that Josh was indeed engaging in the exact kind of activity for which he was investigated as several women made their voices heard with detailed accounts of events that had occurred, including allegations of rape.

As a result, Method has faced a tremendous amount of backlash, the dissolution of most of its esports teams, and as mentioned above, the loss of its lucrative partnership deals. For now, it is most likely a foregone conclusion that Method as we know it is finished.