Democratic Representative Ritchie Torres has raised serious concerns about the rising tide of antisemitism on the streaming platform Twitch, particularly since the Hamas terror attack on October 7, 2023. In a letter addressed to Twitch CEO Daniel Clancy, Torres criticized popular streamer Hasan Piker for allegedly amplifying antisemitic sentiments. Torres argues that Twitch must take responsibility for the content it promotes and stop allowing figures like Piker to thrive on its platform. He described the current situation as an “explosion of Jew-hatred” online and called for urgent action.
Rep. Ritchie Torres, a Democratic lawmaker from the South Bronx, is raising an urgent alarm about antisemitism on Twitch, a popular online streaming platform. His concerns have intensified since the October 7 terror attack by Hamas, which he claims has fueled a surge in Jew-hatred across social media. In a letter dated October 29, Torres addressed Twitch CEO Daniel Clancy, emphasizing the need for action against streamers who propagate hate speech, singling out Hasan Piker, a well-known political commentator and streamer.
Torres pointed out that Piker, who boasts a following of 2.7 million on Twitch, has become a prominent figure in this troubling trend. The representative’s letter, obtained exclusively by The Post, expressed his outrage over the platform’s decision to host Piker, alongside other streamers who have made anti-Jewish remarks.
Torres wrote, “If the KKK or the Third Reich were a social media platform, it would be Twitch.”
This stark comparison underscores his belief that the platform is enabling dangerous ideologies.
Since the Hamas attack, Torres argues that antisemitic rhetoric has surged. He specifically called out Piker for becoming the “poster child” for this outbreak of Jew-hatred in America. Piker has made headlines for controversial comments, including praising figures associated with Hamas and making disparaging remarks about Jewish people. Torres highlighted that this type of rhetoric can incite real-world violence against Jewish communities.
In his letter, Torres demanded that Twitch take a stand against antisemitism. He argued that it is imperative for the platform to stop popularizing individuals who spread hate. The congressman believes that allowing such content to flourish not only harms the Jewish community but also sets a dangerous precedent for other social media platforms.
The rise of online hate speech is not a new issue. Various platforms have faced scrutiny for their handling of hate-filled content. However, the recent events following the Hamas attack have put additional pressure on companies like Twitch to take responsibility for the messages they amplify. Torres emphasized that the platform should not be a haven for those who spread dangerous ideologies and hateful rhetoric.
In addition to Piker, Torres pointed to other streamers who have made similarly inflammatory statements. Some have celebrated the actions of Hamas, calling for the “liberation” of areas in Israel while simultaneously denouncing Jewish people as “supremacists.” This kind of language, Torres argues, fosters an environment where antisemitism can thrive unchecked.
The implications of this issue extend beyond online interactions. As more people consume content through platforms like Twitch, the ideas and sentiments shared can influence public opinion and behavior. This creates a potential for real-world consequences, particularly for vulnerable communities targeted by hate speech.
Torres is not alone in his concerns. Other lawmakers and advocacy groups have also called for increased vigilance against antisemitism online. They argue that social media companies have a responsibility to protect users from hate speech and to foster a safe environment for all.
As the discourse around online hate speech continues to evolve, the pressure on platforms like Twitch to implement stricter guidelines is likely to increase. Torres’s letter serves as a reminder that individuals with large followings hold significant power over public opinion. It also highlights the urgent need for accountability in the digital age.
The question remains: what steps will Twitch take in response to these allegations? As users demand safer online spaces, the responsibility lies with platforms to ensure that they do not become breeding grounds for hate.
Rep. Ritchie Torres’s warning about the amplification of antisemitism linked to Hasan Piker on Twitch raises critical concerns about online hate speech. As social media continues to shape our discourse, the responsibility to combat hate and protect vulnerable communities must be a top priority for all platforms. Only through concerted action can we hope to stem the tide of hate and ensure a safer digital environment for everyone.
