Popular Twitch streamer Nickmercs, known for playing first-person shooter games, has found himself at the center of a controversy after expressing his opinion on LGBTQ+ curriculum in schools. The incident began when a clash occurred between demonstrators outside a California school board meeting discussing the designation of June as Pride month. Nickmercs tweeted, "They should leave little children alone. That’s the real issue," sparking a significant reaction.

Activision, the publisher of the popular Call of Duty video game series, subsequently removed a Nickmercs-themed promotion from their in-game store. The promotion included virtual cosmetic items like armor for users' characters in Warzone and Modern Warfare II. Activision stated their focus was on "celebrating PRIDE with our employees and our community."

A screenshot from Nickmercs' video showcases the Greco-Roman themed armor that was previously available for purchase.

Despite the removal, Nickmercs' popularity has reportedly surged. He addressed the situation on Twitch, stating, "They really did try and come for me... They shot and missed... If you're really going to cancel somebody, you can not attempt and fail." He further described it as the "corniest attempt to cancel anybody I have ever seen. For saying ‘leave children alone.’"

Reports suggest that searches for Nickmercs increased significantly following the incident, and his viewership has also risen. While future promotional deals might be affected, his existing wealth, accumulated through streaming, YouTube, and co-ownership of Faze Clan, likely mitigates any substantial financial impact.

A YouTube screencap of Nickmercs.

Nickmercs expressed that he believes many share his concerns about the rapid pace of societal change and cultural debates. He stated a desire to "slow it down and kind of get a better understanding of what… we are doing as a people." He also suggested that discussions about sexual identity are better suited for families to have at home rather than in schools, saying, "I just simply feel that I want to be the one, and my wife wants to be the one, to speak with our child about stuff like that."