Minecraft stars Dream and TommyInIt found themselves at the center of a significant online controversy after Dream used a derogatory term, commonly referred to as the R-slur, towards TommyInIt’s fanbase. This incident sparked widespread backlash and fueled ongoing drama within the Minecraft community.
The Incident:
- Dream posted a meme on social media that derisively called TommyInIt’s fans “r—ded.” This meme depicted a scenario where fans had to choose between growing up or becoming “r—ds,” directly using the offensive term.
- Following the post, Dream faced immediate and intense criticism, with many online users “ratioing” his tweet, indicating strong disapproval.
Responses and Reactions:
- TommyInIt, whose real name is Thomas Simons, did not hold back. He reposted Dream’s now-deleted meme to amplify its reach, commenting, “No f*cking way did I make Dream say the R slur again. Actual bastard,” thereby escalating the situation.
- Dream initially defended his use of the term, claiming he’s autistic and pointing out perceived hypocrisy from the community which had previously not defended him when he was the target of similar slurs. He argued that the outrage seemed selective.
Apology and Backlash:
- Amidst the controversy, Dream issued an apology, albeit a half-hearted one, which he later deleted. In it, he acknowledged his wrongdoing but also highlighted what he saw as inconsistent standards in how such language was policed online.
- He criticized the selective outrage, mentioning instances where other creators, including friends of TommyInIt, had used similar language without facing the same level of scrutiny, specifically citing Nicolas Cantu.
Public and Community Reaction:
- The drama was likened by some to high-profile celebrity feuds, with one user dubbing it the “Kendrick vs Drake beef for Minecraft fans.”
- The online community was split, with some condemning Dream’s actions outright, while others debated the nuances of language use and accountability in online spaces.
Background on Creators:
- Dream (Clay): Born on August 12, 1999, in Southern California, Dream has become one of the most recognized names in the Minecraft community. Since starting his YouTube channel in 2014, he’s known for series like “Minecraft Manhunt” and the Dream SMP server. His achievements include YouTube’s Breakout Creator Award in 2020 and multiple Streamy Awards.
- TommyInIt (Thomas Simons): Born on April 9, 2004, in Nottingham, England, Tommy started his YouTube career in 2015 but became widely known after joining the Dream SMP in 2020. His streams have set records, including for the most viewers of a Minecraft gameplay live stream.
