Popular Twitch streamer Atrioc has apologized, after briefly exposing that he had visited a deepfake website that included inappropriate deepfakes of female streamers, including Pokimane and Maya Higa.
On January 30, a clip claiming to “expose” Atrioc for looking at deepfakes of other streamers gained traction. In the clip, Atrioc briefly shows his tabs, one of which was allegedly a deepfake website.
This website sells access to deepfake images and videos of female Twitch streamers, including Pokimane, Maya Higa, and QTCinderella. The images and videos are graphic in nature.
A few hours after the clip went viral, Atrioc appeared on stream with his partner to address the situation.
Atrioc apologizes over deepfakes controversy
“This is so embarrassing,” Atrioc said. He explained he had taken a keen interest in AI and deepfake technology, such as AI art.
“But I was on a regular website, and there was an ad on every video… and then I click it, and then I’m in this rabbit hole.
“I got morbidly curious and I clicked something. It’s gross and I’m sorry. It’s so embarrassing.”
He also claimed that it was not a “pattern of behavior”, and that he had only looked at it once. He said he could show the receipt to prove he purchased access to the site on the same day as the clip was made.
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“There is no excuse for it. I’m not defending it in any way, I think this whole category of stuff is wrong,” he said.
Fans were immediate with their backlash against the original clip, arguing that it was more egregious because he is acquaintances with some of the streamers and their partners.
Following the apology, some have been more sympathetic and supported his claims that he has always tried to make his stream a welcoming place for women. “This feels like one of the more sincere apologies I’ve seen,” one viewer said. “Doesn’t excuse anything though, and morbid curiosity isn’t a good reason.”
QTCinderella has since responded to the situation, calling for people to stop spreading the site at all. “Being seen “naked” against your will should NOT BE A PART OF THIS JOB.”
I want to scream. Stop.Everybody fucking stop. Stop spreading it. Stop advertising it. Stop.Being seen “naked” against your will should NOT BE A PART OF THIS JOB. Thank you to all the male internet “journalists” reporting on this issue. Fucking losers @HUN2R
— QTCinderella (@qtcinderella) January 30, 2023
Sweet Anita also shared her disappointment and frustration over finding her name attached to the situation.
“Don’t know whether to cry, break stuff or laugh at this point,” she stated.
This story was how I found out that I'm on this website. I literally choose to pass up millions by not going into sex work and some random cheeto encrusted porn addict solicits my body without my consent instead. Don't know whether to cry, break stuff or laugh at this point. https://t.co/voNoxRyVBd
— Sweet Anita (@sweetanita) January 30, 2023
Pokimane and Maya Higa have yet to respond to the situation.