NAVI streamer and former Valorant professional Ardis ‘ardiis’ Svarenieks has apologized after going through backlash for feedback made throughout a Valorant Sport Changers co-stream that many viewers described as transphobic.
The apology comes after clips from the stream unfold throughout social media, prompting criticism from members of the Valorant neighborhood and requires Riot Video games and NAVI to reply.
Through the Sport Changers co-stream, ardiis and former Fnatic participant Leo ‘Leo’ Jannesson referred to sure gamers as “Bumblebees,” a time period many viewers interpreted as a reference to transgender rivals.Article continues after advert
Ardiis additionally mentioned, “I don’t need to get banned, however we’d like a nickname for them, bro,” earlier than joking that he might change genders himself to compete within the league.
The feedback have been broadly condemned, with some followers accusing the pair of utilizing transphobic language and urging Riot Video games to take away them from future Sport Changers broadcasts.
Following the backlash, ardiis posted a public apology on X.Article continues after advert
“Hey everybody,” he wrote. “The feedback I made on stream concerning the transgender neighborhood have been unacceptable. Even for me it was an excessive amount of.Article continues after advert
“I’m so sorry to everybody I offended; it received’t occur once more. Peace and like to everybody.”
Hey everybody, The feedback I made on stream concerning the transgender neighborhood have been unacceptable. Even for me it was an excessive amount of. I am so sorry to everybody I offended; it will not occur once more. Peace and like to everybody♥️— NAVI ardiis (@ardiis) July 22, 2026
Nonetheless, ardiis beforehand defended himself on stream, claiming ladies had privately thanked him for talking out and mentioned he was bringing extra consideration to the Sport Changers scene.
“Have you learnt what number of ladies have messaged me saying ‘I can’t go public, however thanks’? Minimal 5. I’m the one one placing eyes on the Sport Changers scene.”Article continues after advert
In one other clip, he argued that those that have a “regular upbringing” can by no means be trans.
“I feel if [you have] a traditional upbringing, with a great household tree, and also you’re a loving mom and daughter with no household trauma, trans shouldn’t be an possibility.
“I feel trans on this neighborhood occurs you probably have like some trauma in your childhood, or perhaps you may have like an abusive father or abusive mom, or some sh*t like this. Then you definitely really feel alone as a baby, you go right into a neighborhood on-line that’s this trans, no matter neighborhood. They settle for you, they mould you, they are saying ‘oh we love you, we do that, you’re probably not a boy who’s 10 years previous, you’re actually referred to as Amelia.”Article continues after adArticle continues after advert
Riot’s 2026 VCT Sport Changers rulebook states that eligible gamers should determine as ladies or gender various, with the competitors designed to create alternatives and visibility for girls and different marginalized genders in Valorant esports.
