COMPETITIVE RULING: CAROLINE “CAROSMACKS” PETERSON AND MEGAN “LEMONOREO” LAI

Feb 8, 2023

TL;DR: Caroline “carosmacks” Peterson and Megan “LemonOreo” Lai violated the VALORANT Champions Tour Global Competition Policy by repeatedly sending a discriminatory meme to a Discord server of significant size. Consequently, carosmacks and LemonOreo are banned from any association or affiliation with a team in a Riot-sanctioned competition for one year, beginning from the date of the latest violation to October 3rd, 2023.

CONTEXT

VALORANT players and coaches involved in Riot-sanctioned leagues must abide by Section 7 of the VALORANT Champions Tour Global Competition Policy (“Global Policy”), which prohibits the use of any discriminatory or denigrating words or actions.

TIMELINE

On October 3rd, 2022, carosmacks and LemonOreo both shared a discriminatory meme of a racist nature to a Discord server with over 70 users.

During the course of the investigation, Riot investigators reviewed screenshots of the alleged violations and sourced a statement from an anonymous reporter. Following the opening of formal proceedings, carosmacks and LemonOreo were provided with an opportunity to provide their position and both submitted statements, which were taken into consideration by Riot’s investigators.

RULING

Riot Games does not condone any discriminatory acts or behaviors, including those that revolve around race, sex, age, or any other personal characteristic. Riot investigators did not find any aggravating nor mitigating factors during the course of investigation.

Caroline “carosmacks” Peterson and Megan “LemonOreo” Lai circulated a discriminatory meme in a Discord server of significant size. This is a violation of Rule 7.3.6 of the VALORANT Champions Tour Global Competition Policy. Carosmacks and LemonOreo are banned from any association or affiliation with a team in a Riot-sanctioned competition for one year, beginning from the date of the latest violation and ending on October 3rd, 2023.

RELEVANT RULES

VALORANT Champions Tour Global Competition Policy
Section 7.3.6: Discrimination and Denigration

Team Members may not offend the dignity or integrity of a country, private person, or group of people through contemptuous, discriminatory or denigrating words or actions on account of race, skin color, ethnic, national or social origin, gender, language, religion, political opinion or any other opinion, financial status, birth or any other status, sexual orientation or any other reason.