Veteran esports host and commentator Paul “Redeye” Chaloner has decided to step away from the esports industry amid allegations of abuse, the 48-year-old revealed on Twitter today. Redeye has been working on esports broadcasts since 2002, making him one of the most experienced veterans in the industry.
The accusations came to light on June 27th, when fellow CS:GO host and interviewer James Banks released a Google Document detailing Chaloner’s alleged abuse and blackmail. Banks reveals his own experiences with Redeye’s alleged abuse of power, and shares screenshots of discussions with other unnamed individuals, each with similar stories. “Redeye has done some incredibly horrible and disgusting things to me and others within the esports scene,” Banks states, “abusing his position and power for many years.”
The allegations continue up through Chaloner’s time with esports talent agency Code Red. Banks claims that Redeye, backed by Code Red, has attempted to blackmail him into not going public with these allegations. Redeye released his own Document, sharing his side later that same day. Banks published a response on June 28th, revealing further information on certain allegations against Chaloner.
Redeye released another statement on Twitter today, where he revealed he would be stepping away from the esports industry, and would no longer host any esports events. “Following the attacks made on my character over the last few days,” Chaloner begins, “I have decided to walk away from esports.”
Redeye states that he has resigned as Managing Director of Code Red, effective immediately. “Code Red is an incredible company full of amazing people who have done some brilliant things already for esports and will continue to do so without me,” Chaloner writes.
Finally, Redeye offers an apology, stating that this experience has been a “huge eye opener” for him. “I never intended to upset you and hope that you have long and successful careers.”
In closing, Chaloner states, "I am truly grateful for everything and proud to have been there to watch the [esports] industry grow and share the last 18 years of my life with you."
Source: Paul "Redeye" Chaloner