Beyond the Summit announced on Wednesday that it has banned Aziz “Hax” Al-Yami from its upcoming in-person Super Smash Bros. Melee major, Smash Summit 11.
— Beyond the Smash (@BTSsmash) June 9, 2021
“Many people have expressed concerns about the content of Hax’s video to us,” the announcement said. “We take the safety of our Smash Summit 11 players very seriously and do not condone behavior that encourages harassment or threats toward any of our players or staff. After reviewing the video and concerns from multiple attendees, we will be prohibiting Hax from attending the event in any capacity.”
Prior to this announcement, Hax had not qualified for Smash Summit 11. He also had not registered to compete in the last chance qualifier, Rollback Rumble: The Big One. However, this formal ban means he will not be able to campaign for one of the final spots at Summit.
Background of Hax’s ban from Smash Summit 11
On June 4, Hax released Evidence.zip 2, a two-and-a-half-hour video and a 136-page document accusing William “Leffen” Hjelte of “attempting totalitarianism” through “constant suppression of free speech/freedom of the press, censorship, propaganda, menticidal assaults, surveillance tendencies, scraps with authority, etc.”
Prominent Smash community members largely condemned Hax for using what they perceived to be over-the-top rhetoric. This included statements comparing Leffen’s actions to those of Adolf Hitler.
at this point i don't even know what to do. Legit concerned with my safety at events with this level of things.
Will be looking into a lawyer before saying more just to make sure my bases are covered.— TSM Leffen (@TSM_Leffen) June 5, 2021
“At this point I don’t even know what to do. Legit concerned with my safety at events with this level of things. Will be looking into a lawyer before saying more just to make sure my bases are covered,” Leffen tweeted.
Hax published Evidence.zip 2 prior to the re-airing of Travis “Samox” Beauchamp’s ‘Metagame’ documentary and the premiere of ‘Godslayer,’ a new episode focused on Leffen, on June 5. Samox initially received criticism for his negative portrayal of Leffen in ‘Metagame.’ ‘Godslayer’ presented a more positive view and did not include interviews with anyone besides Leffen.
Due to his extreme allegations against Leffen, Hax will not be able to attend Smash Summit 11. Leffen was one of the first invitees to the event, in addition to Masaya “aMSa” Chikamoto. However visa-related issues currently make it unclear whether Leffen will be able to attend Smash Summit 11 at all.
