Allegations by Kiwi hit Esports

A co-founder of one of Australasia’s most prominent esports organisations has resigned in the wake of allegations of sexual harassment and grooming, leaving the industry reeling.

Jared ‘‘Topix’’ Fell resigned publicly on April 12 as co-founder of Oddity Esports. Serious allegations of sexual misconduct and grooming emerged immediately following his resignation.

The allegations detailed how he took advantage of aspiring Wellington female streamer Ellie ‘‘EllieRoo’’ Hall, 23, who was trying to grow her viewership online.

They state how he would offer her access to his network with the expectation of sexually explicit images in return.

Hall said he would steer the conversation towards topics of a sexual nature, and repeatedly attempt to solicit her for sexually explicit images.

After raising the alleged behaviour with the manager of the organisation, the matter was dealt with quickly, with Fell apologising to Hall in front of the other members of the organisation, as well as in private. In his private apology, Fell also mentioned ‘‘swift legal action if [she would] continue to defame him and his family on a personal level’’.

Six people have made allegations, saying they shared similar experiences of his behaviour.

Chat logs obtained by Stuff between Fell and Hall include a moment when he asks if she sends sexually charged messages to other people, before asking why he wasn’t going to receive them.

Hall said she felt uncomfortable from the moment they met, but she was unable to avoid dealing with Fell, as the organisation he owned had signed her team.

She said he had offered to help her grow her fanbase, and had provided tips on how to draw in viewers when she streamed.

These tips included wearing provocative clothing and he suggested she use photos to start an account on a pornography app.

Ellie Hall Esports streamer

Hall said she was put in numerous situations where the messages crossed a line, but didn’t feel like she could say anything.

‘‘He was in a position of power over me,’’ she said.

Hall said she was approached by other members of the community following his resignation, looking to share their experiences with Fell, and said he had allegedly acted in a similar manner.

Fell has since apologised for his actions in a statement given to esports publication Here’s The Thing, describing his conduct as a ‘‘terrible mistake’’.

‘‘I was helping [Hall] with her social media and her content role with Oddity ... that’s transpired into something inappropriate.

‘‘I went along with a flirtatious conversation with Ellie which I should have stopped straight away.

‘‘I’ve admitted my wrongdoings and apologised to [Hall], and the consequences are I’ve lost everything in my life to do with esports.’’

Oddity Esports expressed the ‘‘deepest contempt’’ for the cofounder’s alleged actions, and took direct action once the allegations came to light. Stuff has contacted lawyers acting for Fell.

‘‘He was in a position of power over me.’’