Image: EVOS Esports
Depezett was dropped by EVOS after he faced two allegations of sexual harassment in quick succession.
Renown Indonesian Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) organisation EVOS have removed
Muhammad "Depezett" Shihab from their active roster for the MLBB Professional League (MPL) Indonesia Season 15 due to allegations of sexual harassment that have been levied against the player.
EVOS stated that they decided to deactivate their newly-promoted mid laner indefinitely and that Depezett would not represent or use the EVOS name in any shape or form.
""Effective from the issuance of this statement and for an indefinite period, EVOS Esports has decided to deactivate Depezett's status. Consequently, Depezett is no longer entitled to represent or use the name EVOS Esports in any shape or form."
The decision was made after Depezett was called out by a female fan for asking for a paid sexual video call. Following these allegations, the EVOS Management promptly removed the mid laner from the team.
MPL Indonesia also acknowledged EVOS' decision to mete out punishment for the Depezett's misconduct and unprofessional behaviour:
“MPL Indonesia respects the decision made by EVOS Esports management to deactivate Depezett following his unprofessional behaviour. In accordance with League rules, we will impose penalties on the concerned party for this violation.”
This is not the first time that Depezett faced allegations of sexual harassment. As reported by ggwp.id in January, Depezett invited the person behind the now-deactivated Instagram account @sechaars_ to visit his apartment. The person behind the account refused the invitation and posted screenshots of their conversation with Depezett to their Instagram story, alleging harassment from the player.
Following an investigation by EVOS, Depezett issued a public apology through a story on his now-deactivated Instagram account. However, it didn't take long for a second allegation of sexual harassment to get levied against the player, which prompted his removal from EVOS.
While EVOS had already removed Depezett from the team, his name was still registered in their MPL Indonesia Season 15 roster for the league's first week. This was due to MPL Indonesia rules that stated a team needed a minimum of six players for the first week, according to EVOS head coach Steven “Age” Kurniawan.
Age admitted that if Depezett was kicked from the team, they would be disqualified for the first two matches, which prompted the team to keep the player registered on their roster despite his removal.