T1 outline restrictions on fan interactions in official statement

Korean esports organization, reigning League of Legends world champions, and storied LCK team T1 have announced today a series of restrictions and prohibitions on what it called attempts to cause “sever psychological distress and fear” for their players.

In a post on social media, T1 outlined several actions which will now be prohibited, including loitering near the T1 team house and headquarters, unauthorized filming during commutes, stalking, and more.

T1 cracks down on stalking and fan harassment in damning statement

The official statement, posted on April 30 across multiple social media accounts in both English and Korea, described in details what the organization now prohibited.

“Acts such as loitering near the team house or HQ, unauthorized filming during commutes, and staking are clear invasions of privacy and pose a direct threat to the players’ safety. T1 strictly prohibits any authorized filming or attempts to contact the players outside of official schedules. Please understand that such unannounced approaches cause severe psychological distress and fear for players.”

The post, which thanked fans for the support, also made sure to outline that it prioritized player safety above all else, and would pursue legal action against those who didn’t follow their guidelines.

“...we sternly warn that we will take strong legal action using all available means without any leniency or settlement [against those engaging in the above behavior].”

The statement comes following an earlier declaration by T1, and T1 players’ talent agencies, that they would be pursuing legal action against those violating player’s privacy.

It’s speculated that today’s statement is being used to set a precedent for any future legal challenge. By outlining strictly the terms by which T1 wants fans to interact with its players, it can potentially use legal apparatus to restrict any violations.

Later in the day (April 30) T1 added an additional statement, specifically targeting fan meetups and queues, marking a clear shift towards a more disaplined approach to fan meetups and in-person interactions.

T1 is one of the most popular and successful esports teams in the world. The organization has won a record six League of Legends World Championships, and reached the finals eight times.

But with this success has come a dramatic amount of fan attention, good and bad. During losing streaks, fans have reportedly hired megaphone vehicles to drive around Seoul, where the team is based, broadcasting threats. Funeral wreaths have reportedly been sent to the T1 house, and the players have allegedly received death threats. Combined with an often toxic online presence, T1 fans are often known as some of the most notorious in the esports space.

Today’s statement and the new measures will hopefully assuage the most hardcore of that contingent.