Blizzard has banned professionalHearthstoneplayer Paul “Zalae” Nemeth following multiple domestic abuse allegations against him. This will prevent Nemeth from competing in all esports events and tournaments for at least the next year.
Nemeth has been accused by his former girlfriend, Rini, of being both intimidating and physically abusive towards her. Writing out in a TwitLonger message, Rini (@lidlRini) has detailed the different types of abuse she endured while being in a relationship with the disgracedHearthstonepro.
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Rini mentions the last night that they were together he was “repeatedly was taunting/body posturing at me like he was going to hit me, closing me into small spaces, making himself appear bigger/threatening and physically grabbing my wrists tightly to hold me in the small spaces”. She goes on to mention that he dragged her across the bedroom and pushed a pillow over her face until she cried out that she was unable to breathe. The latter reaction occurred after Rini had slapped Nemeth in an attempt to gain space/force him to back away from her.
The TwitLonger post goes on to describe what appears to be emotional abuse, as well. Rini describes that Nemeth would complain that she wasn’t working out enough, as well as needing control over every aspect of their relationship. According to Rini, they had what appeared to be a “transactional relationship, nothing more.”
Following the allegations, Blizzard decided to suspend Nemeth for the length of one year on April 8. While the allegations popped up in January (the TwitLonger was posted on January 18), “Zalae” was still included in theHearthstoneGrandmasters for 2021. The suspension effectively removes him from North American Conference play starting on April 9, with a replacement to be announced. This marks anotherhigh-profile esports playerto be banned after abuse allegations have surfaced.
Nemeth’s Twitter account has been silent since March 25, with the last few posts covering topics on working out, and attending the gym regularly. He has yet to make a statement on the abuse accusations.
Season 1 of theHearthstone’sGrandmasters 2021 starts on April 9, with the playoffs beginning on June 4. Matchplay can be found on the Hearthstone Esports YouTube Channel. Players can also experience the latest expansion,Forged in the Barrens, right now.
Hearthstoneis available now on PC, Mac, Android, and iOS.
