TSM is one of the most well-known and reputed esports organizations. Almost every gaming professional aspires to be associated with the organization at some point or the other. However, as reported by Washington Post, several TSM staff have opened up about the toxic work culture that exists within the organization. CEO Andy Dinh has also been accused of being the harbinger of a toxic system and allegedly exploiting his employees in both TSM and Blitz. For more news related to Esports, follow InsideSport.IN.
In recent years, several esports professionals have been accused of moral ill-conduct during live streams. Those who have been found guilty of the same have either been suspended or had their contracts terminated by their teams. However, this is the first time such an accusation has surfaced against what is considered as one of the biggest esports organizations, TSM. These events do impose a negative perspective on esports in general. With that being said, it is important to know what TSM and Blitz’s employees have to say.
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TSM workers speak out on workspace abuse
Andy Dinh has often been accused of criticizing his workers in public forums. In videos dating back almost a decade, it is seen how he yells at his esports team during live streaming. Since the recent allegations came up a few months ago through Washinton Post’s reports, it is safe to say that even after a decade, Andy has failed to change himself for good.
Former employees of Andy, who belonged to TSM or Blitz have vouched that he often used to call out his employees and publicly shame them. The employees revealed that after a certain point time, they hesitated to be in a one-on-one meeting with Andy. They would try hard to gather a few people so that he did not get the opportunity to bully them as much as he’d like to.
Former Blitz Senior program manager, Anthony Barnes gave his statement to Washington Post regarding the issues.
“Nobody wanted to be in a one-on-one meeting with Andy because you had no witnesses, I mean that literally. Who knew if Andy was going to scream or yell at you, degrade you, be friendly, or just be confused or inquisitive? You weren’t sure what Andy you were going to get. But the more people on the call, the more likely Andy wasn’t going to be a complete volcano.”
Andy Dinh rarely holds back when being contradicted
TSM employees also recalled incidents where people were let go off their duties just because they contradicted Andy and his ideas. The shocking revelation also points out that on most occasions, these firings were held on public forums.
A former employee vouched for the abrupt firing of employees during their interaction with the Washington Post.
“I had seen other people contradicting either [Blitz co-founder] Adil [Virani] or Andy and being mysteriously fired a couple days later. It was definitely not a company where conflict led to good things.”
One of the former staff members recalls a particular meeting that was organized after TSM Valorant teams’ loss in the First Strike North America tournament. The loss infuriated Andy and he went all guns blazing toward his esports professionals as well as other members of the team.
“Andy has obviously always had a short temper. But that day you could just tell [something was different] because it was like he was hunting you. Like, if you talked during that meeting, you were just reamed and ripped apart as much as possible, especially if you were even higher up.”
The incidents not only give a glimpse of workspace abuse but indicates a greater cause of harassment from the top management of TSM.
TSM boss practices low wage system for contractual employees
As per the legal binding in California, where TSM and Blitz have their office, contractual employees must be paid a certain amount for their services. However, a former worker reveals how Andy challenged a pay raise debate and openly admitted that he’d get a replacement at the same cost.
“Go ahead, try yourself in the market, see how you do. If you don’t think somebody else will be willing to do your job for this amount of money, then go ahead, be my guest.”
Legal experts reviewed a few contracts and claimed that the organization was treating the employees as contractual workers. However, their functionalities were similar to permanent salaried professionals. This disparity was quite alarming and could lead to several legal estrangements.
TSM has no doubt stood out from the crowd and presented itself to be one of the most important esports teams in the world. They have won several laurels across several categories and always aim to be consistent and deliver up to their potential. However, the internal affairs reveal that the work culture is certainly not suitable for growth and prosperity.
Andy Dinh might have made a name for himself in the Esports industry. However, with his former employees calling him out on his behavior and attitude, it will certainly act as bad exposure for him and TSM, to say the least.
For more news related to Esports and Gaming, follow InsideSport.IN.
