Evil Geniuses has released Dota 2 commentator and streamer Grant “GranDGranT” Harris after several women alleged he sexually harrassed them.
Over the last 24 hours, multiple threads alleging that Grant, one of the most prominent voices in NA Dota, have highlighted a pattern of alleged inappropriate conduct towards women in the community.
The first account came from Twitter user cofactorstrudel, who said Grant wouldn’t let go of her during an after-party at The International 2017. She said she had to force him to release her.
She said she’s since exchanged messages with Grant and called it “water under the bridge.” But more serious allegations have also been levied against the caster.
Former coach and analyst Anthony “scant” Hodgson brought up Grant’s history with former commentator Natalie “LlamaDownUnder,” who he reportedly harassed to the point that she decided to leave the Dota 2 scene.
“Grant repeatedly harassed Llama to the point where she sought a restraining order,” scant said. “She took him to court, and after several years of protracted legal proceedings, the court found that Grant did indeed harass and defame her. He bullied her, harassed her, and he ended her job.”
Others replied to this story, saying stories of Grant’s inappropriate behavior are not isolated and more people could come out with further information in the coming days.
Before EG’s announcement, Grant said he would be leaving esports.
“I was the one who brought this upon myself and truly do apologize to the people I’ve hurt,” Grant said. “I’ll be leaving Dota and the Esports Scene for a long time if not permanently. I don’t want to make this about me though. I want to say, I hope the people who don’t feel safe do feel safer, and I hope Dota becomes an overall better esport over the upcoming years.”
It’s pretty clear, however, that Dota 2 may have a long way to go to be a better place.
Scant, the former coach, said that Grant was supported while he was harassing Llama by senior talent in the space. He called Dota a “boys club” whose gatekeeping helps prevent meaningful change.
“The space is toxic,” he said.
