paiN CEO steps down amidst allegations of mishandling sexual assault allegations against LoL player

Following allegations that the paiN mishandled sexual misconduct allegations leveled at League of Legends player Alexandre "TitaN" Lima dos Santos, CEO Thomas Hamence has stepped down from the Brazilian organization.

According to Sheep Esports, multiple people including a 16-year-old girl, have come forward accusing Lima dos Santos of sexual abuse, with the São Paulo Civil Police investigating alleged unsolicited distribution of sexual content to alleged sexual misconduct with a vulnerable person. paiN suspended Lima dos Santos on January 12th, but Mais Esports reported that the player was allowed to train with his team despite the suspension.

According to Sheep Esports, during an event where paiN fans and leadership communicated directly, the topic of International Women’s Day was brought up, and a discussion about the Lima dos Santos controversy followed. According to reports, a board member attempted to downplay the situation, also mentioning that the age of consent in Brazil is 14. Even more shockingly, it is alleged that a board member asked fans how old they were when they had lost their virginity.

Facing increased backlash from paiN fans and the wider LOL and esports community, paiN proceeded to terminate Lima dos Santos' contract on March 10th, and on March 12th, paiN announced the resignation of CEO Thomas Hamence. A statement from paiN reads in part:

The latest decisions by paiN Gaming were made treating the organization solely as a company, and that is where we made our mistake.

paiN Gaming is not just a company. And, if we can recall the most famous quote we have, we will remember that: “This here isn't a team, this shit is a family.”

Replies on X suggest fans are appreciative of paiN's response and actions, however others have stressed that the organization has a lot of work to do to rebuild trust with the community after the alleged mishandling of such a serious situation.