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Hearthstone pro Zalae suspended by Blizzard in wake of abuse allegations

Hearthstone pro Zalae suspended by Blizzard in wake of abuse allegations
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Months after allegations of abuse by Zalae were made public, Blizzard Entertainment has decided to suspend the Hearthstone pro from competing for one year.

Hearthstone pro Zalae suspended by Blizzard in wake of abuse allegations

Blizzard Entertainment has suspended Hearthstone pro player Paul "Zalae" Nemeth from their official Hearthstone circuit for one year. While the company has refused to specify why Zalae has been suspened just days before the Hearthstone Grandmasters competitive season kicks off, it's almost certainly tied to abuse accusations made against Zalae.

In January of this year, Zalae's ex-girlfriend Rini posted a detailed Twitlonger in which she alleged her former boyfriend of repeated abuse cases during their relationship. On several occasions, as her statement read, Zalae struck her and intimidated her. Following Rini's post, many public figures in the Hearthstone community spoke out and asked Blizzard Entertainment to address the situation. Blizzard's Hearthstone esports department remained quiet.

It wasn't until esports outlet Inven Global asked Blizzard for a response on April 7 that the company issued its first statement, saying that they are "aware of the allegations and are assessing the matter." One day later, Zalae was suspended.

The severity of the punishment wasn't detailed either, until specifically asked for again by Inven Global. Blizzard told the outlet that Zalae will be suspended for one year, but did not want to comment on the specific reason.

Zalae has not yet addressed his suspension.

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Image originals courtesy of Blizzard Entertainment.

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Tom Matthiesen
Tom Matthiesen

Esports journalist since 2015. Amateur pizza connoisseur, semi-professional binge watcher. Proud Veigar main in League of Legends.

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