Recently, the popular Twitch streamer Meowri, who has been streaming on Twitch for several years, was banned from the platform for the first time shortly after teasing her fans with a "playboy bunny cocktail stream." Her sudden ban sparked outrage among her followers, many of whom took to social media to voice their frustration. The issue of appropriate attire on Twitch is not a new one. In 2019, Twitch updated its dress code policy to be more inclusive, stating that clothing choices should be based on context, location, and activity. However, the policy has been criticized for being too vague and leaving too much room for interpretation.She posted on Twitter shortly after being taken offline, "Got banned for a bunny suit." Twitch has recently been cracking down on violations of its terms of service, including inappropriate attire. The platform has issued temporary bans ranging from one day to several weeks to smaller channels and well-known content creators like MurderCrumpet. According to Twitch, the bunny costume violated the platform's terms of service as it was considered "inappropriate attire" for the live stream. This decision has sparked heated debate in the Twitter comments, with some arguing that other streamers wear bunny outfits without facing repercussions. Meowri responded by speculating that certain viewers may have forced Twitch's hand in levying the initial punishment against her account. She also mentioned that other Twitch streamers have been banned for wearing bunny costumes, including Holly Wolf, who was reportedly banned for wearing a rabbit costume in her profile picture rather than during a live stream.
Twitch has faced criticism for the inconsistent enforcement of its terms of service and recently revealed New Sponsorship System. The incident highlights the ongoing debate over the appropriate use of attire on Twitch and other live-streaming platforms. As the popularity of these platforms continues to grow, more rules and regulations will likely be put in place to ensure that everyone can enjoy a safe and welcoming environment.
For now, Meowri and her fans must wait to see if her appeal is successful and if she will be able to return to the platform she has called home for so long. Regardless of the outcome, the incident serves as a reminder that even the most innocuous actions can have consequences on these highly-regulated platforms. With several streamers moving away from Twitch, the platform will need to address these issues if it hopes to maintain the trust of its users and continue to be a leading destination for live-streaming content against its rivals.