"I f**ked up": LoL pro Bwipo apologizes after sexist rant on women triggers outrage and suspension from FlyQuest

League of Legends pro Gabriël “Bwipo” Rau has found himself in the middle of a heated controversy after clips from his livestream went viral on September 9, 2025. The 26-year-old top laner sparked backlash for making comments about women competing in esports while on their periods. His comments faced huge backlash and social media outrage. However, days later, Bwipo issued a public statement admitting fault and apologizing for his words.The controversy began when viewers clipped moments from Bwipo’s recent stream where he openly suggested that women should avoid competitive play during their menstrual cycles.“There is a time in the month where you should not be f**king playing competitive games as a woman, in my opinion,” he said.The comments quickly spread on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), with fans and fellow pros calling them outdated and disrespectful. The fact that he generalized women’s performance in esports struck a particularly sensitive chord in an industry already criticized for gender inequality.As criticism mounted, Bwipo’s organization, FlyQuest, moved swiftly. The team announced his suspension from the upcoming League of Legends Championship of The Americas (LTA) playoff series.In addition, FlyQuest committed to donating Bwipo’s event prize money to nonprofits that promote women in gaming. The decision was widely praised as a necessary stance against language that undermines inclusivity within esports.Facing the mounting criticism, Bwipo took to X to release a statement. In it, he admitted fault directly.“Hi everyone, I know I f**ked up. My comments were ignorant and disrespectful to women, including those close to me,” he said. “I’m sorry to those I hurt. I regret using my platform to fuel vitriol and sexism instead of support, and I’ll be taking steps to reflect, listen, and do better.”The straightforward apology struck a more serious tone than his earlier remarks, but the community remains divided on whether words alone are enough.While some fans accepted the apology, many echoed that accountability in esports cannot stop at one statement.