Sky Sports have deleted their videos with IShowSpeed and cut ties with the YouTube star, citing concerns with the influencer’s previous comments toward women. The YouTuber has responded.
IShowSpeed is one of the biggest up-and-coming personalities on YouTube, having officially switched to the platform after being permanently banned from Twitch earlier this year.
After growing his presence on YouTube, Speed was interviewed by Sky Sports’ Geoff Shreeves ahead of Manchester United’s game against Fulham, resulting in a slew of hilarious viral clips — but now, the network is erasing any existence of their collaboration.
On November 14, fans noticed that all of Sky Sport’s Tweets featuring Speed had been suddenly, and quietly, taken down.
Sky Sports delete Tweets with IShowSpeed over YouTuber’s past remarks
According to reports, Sky Sports management was allegedly alerted to Speed’s previous comments toward women — a few of which landed the YouTuber in hot water.
Although Speed has made his home on YouTube, he also had a fairly big presence on Twitch before he was banned from the platform, after he purportedly made derogatory comments toward a woman during a live stream with fellow broadcaster Adin Ross in April 2022.
Speed was also notably permanently banned from Riot Games’ Valorant after he made sexist remarks toward female players, resulting in a massive backlash against the young influencer.
The YouTuber is a massive football fan, and a huge Cristiano Ronaldo stan — but it looks like his time in the football limelight has come to a sudden end.
IShowSpeed responds to Sky Sports cutting ties over comments
On November 18, Speed posted a series of tweets with his response to Sky Sports cutting ties with him.
“The clip of my appearance with Geoff and a few others has since been removed by Sky, and I have learned that this was due to the resurfacing of comments that I made in the past,” he explained.
“I’m 17 years old. I was 16 when that happened and made a huge mistake. It was stupid and immature. I immediately realized this and apologized. I will continue to work on myself as I navigate this world, growing up online.”
“I recognize that I have a responsibility to set an example to those who follow and support me.”
Speed went on to mention that Sky Sports had initiated their relationship, including an invitation to appear on Soccer AM, and he would have loved to speak with them before they made their decision.
He added: “I have tried reaching out to them and will continue to do so. I’m learning every day and totally own the mistake I made. I love the UK. Y’all have embraced me and I appreciate it more than anything. My goal is to make people laugh and I will continue to try and do that.”
The comments in question went viral back in April 2022, leading to his ban from Valorant.
