It looks like gamers are not the only ones criticizing Blizzard for banning people who are speaking out about their support for Hong Kong protesters. Several US politicians including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Marco Rubio have penned a scathing open letter to Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick asking him to reconsider the company's decisions.
The open letter was shared on Twitter and cites the year-long ban of Hearthstone player Ng Wai Chung, whose prize money was also forfeited. The letter is signed by Rubio and fellow US senator Ron Wyden as well as representatives Ocasio-Cortez, Mike Gallagher, and Tom Malinowski.
"Your company claims to stand by 'one's right to express individual thoughts and opinions,' yet many of your own employees believe that Activision Blizzard's decision to punish Mr. Chung runs counter to those values. Because your company is such a pillar of the gaming industry, your disappointing decision could have a chilling effect on games who seek to use their platform to promote human rights and freedoms," the letter reads.
It's a strongly-worded letter that concludes with on a stern note. "We urge you in the strongest terms to reconsider your decision with respect to Mr. Chung. You have the opportunity to reverse course. We urge you to take it," it reads.
It is unclear if Kotick has seen the open letter. For now, Blizzard has yet to comment on the situation. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.
Blizzard has previously reduced Blitzchung's ban to six months.
Related: Hearthstone Pro Blitzchung Responds To Blizzard & Says He'll Be More Careful
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