Far-left streamer Hasan Piker has drawn criticism from Democratic figures, including gun control advocate Shannon Watts, for his past controversial online statements and his perceived role in Democratic politics.
The dispute escalated when Watts accused Piker of employing a predictable playbook to dismiss past remarks, citing common deflections such as claiming statements were jokes, satire, out of context, or misconstrued.
Piker responded to Watts by accusing her of acting as a Republican operative and a "shameless grifter" who did not care about the Democratic Senate majority. He also claimed her tactics were a copy of MAGA strategies.
Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter was killed in the Parkland shooting, also criticized Piker, calling his attacks on Watts "batsh-- crazy" and his comparisons between the NRA and AIPAC indicative of insanity. Guttenberg asserted that Piker's "MAGA styled attacks" would not be effective.
The exchange highlights concerns among some Democrats regarding the resurfaced comments and posts of progressive figures, particularly when these individuals act as surrogates for candidates. The controversy comes as Piker has been a vocal supporter of candidates like Michigan's Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed.
Past remarks by Piker that have resurfaced include saying in 2019 that "America deserved 9/11," a statement he later walked back as inappropriate. He also reportedly stated, when asked about supporting terrorism, that he did not support the state of Israel or the United States. These comments drew renewed attention after the University of Washington canceled an event with Piker, citing his rhetoric on Israel.
Piker, in response to the cancellation, argued on X that Democrats should defend First Amendment principles and free speech against what he described as "undemocratic & unamerican forces of Trumpism." This prompted Watts to point out Piker's own past calls for political opponents to be "locked up," citing his remarks about former Congressman Adam Schiff.
Watts reminded Piker of his past statements towards Schiff, including telling him to "suck my entire d---" and expressing hope that Schiff would be arrested and go to prison, which Piker had justified by Schiff's ties to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and defense contractors. Piker dismissed his remarks about Schiff as a joke.
Piker has previously faced scrutiny for urging Democrats who oppose Abdul El-Sayed to be "punished."