One of the most popular and well-known streamers/pro players is suing the gaming organization FaZe Clan over his restrictive contract. First covered by the Hollywood Reporter, Turner Tenny – better known as Tfue – accuses the company of restricting his ability to work in California along with taking up to 80% of his earning. Freedman + Taitelman is the law firm representing Tfue after Tenny attempted to end his contract with FaZe Clan, only to have the organization decline his termination.
For the unfamiliar, Tfue is a wildly popular pro player and streamer who quickly made a name for himself during the rise of the battle royale genre. Most known for playing Fortnite, Tfue currently boasts over 10 million Youtube subscribers, 6 million Followers on Twitch, and 1.62 million followers on Twitter. Alongside Tyler “Ninja” Blevins, Tfue is one of the most recognizable streamers in the Fortnite community.
In the lawsuit, attorney Bryan Freedman explains that are almost no regulations in esports. Stating that “There are no real organizations such as unions or guilds. to help protect the content creators/streamers…” The lawsuit goes on to explain that ” Most of these content creator/streamers are also very young, and are often unsophisticated, unseasoned, and trusting.” It’s then explained that Tfue was pressured into living in one of their homes in the Hollywood Hills where he was given alcohol before turning 21 and illegally gambled.
Tenney v Faze Clan by THROnline on Scribd
On March 15, this Talent Agency Act violation claim was given to California’s Labor Commissioner, which also claims that FaZe Clan signed an 11-year old player who was encouraged to lie about his age. Additionally, Tfue suffered a permanent injury to his arm that left some disfigurement while shooting a video for FaZe Clan.
But the real issue with FaZe Clan revolves around their monetary and employment control of Tenny. Given how popular Tfue is, he currently only makes 20% of all branded videos put on Youtube, Twitch, or other social media accounts. Given how popular Tfue is, this is a considerable sum that he is missing out on. Tfue also only makes 50% of the revenue earned from making in-person appearances.
Youtuber Keemstar claims to have spoken to FaZe Clan, who told him that they have only made $60,000 from Tfue. While there is an 80/20 split, the organization claims that Tfue is the one receiving the larger percentage.
Talked to @FaZeClan They said they have only collected $60k from @TTfue since hes been in FaZe. And the contract for brand deals is 80/20 with Tfue getting 80%. #DramaAlert
— KEEM 🍿 (@KEEMSTAR) May 20, 2019
setting up interview with @Banks !
As pointed out by esports consultant Rod Breslau, Tfue does keep his entire earnings from esports competitions. There’s also a very good chance that he keeps all of the money gained from his Twitch subscribers and any ad revenue.
two days ago tfue spoke on stream chastising other esports orgs
— Rod Breslau (@Slasher) May 20, 2019
“if you’re in the [fortnite] world cup or think you’re going to qualify, don’t sign to an org unless they don’t take any earnings from tournaments
none of these orgs are doing anything worth the cut they’re taking” pic.twitter.com/xLiKhxhmNV
The “Gamer Agreement” that Tenny signed with FaZe Clan is described as “conspicuously anti-competitive.” This agreement denies Tenny the ability to explore “deals presented by others.” FaZe Clan is also being accused of retaining payments from sponsorships without giving any of the money to Tfue. This is in contrast to what the Gamer Agreement allegedly states which requires FaZe Clans to give Tenny that money.
Currently, Tfue is seeking for the Gamer Agreement to be terminated, punitive damages, and payment for his services. The lawsuit goes on with Tenny requesting “restitutionary relief” from FaZe Clans “unfair and unlawful business practices.”
Yo this whole thing with @TTfue is pretty unbelievable. The first thing I’d like to say is we do NOT and have never taken 80% of anyones prize money. Not sure where that came from, but a contract like that has NEVER existed. We’ve collected $0 from Turners prize money. ZERO.
— FaZe Banks (@Banks) May 20, 2019
The founder of FaZe Clan, Ricky Banks took to Twitter after news broke, denying that the organization ever took 80% of his prize money. However, the lawsuit itself focuses on the revenue earned through sponsorships and third parties. FaZe Clan has not responded to this or the other allegations at the time of writing this. Along with Banks, a plethoraof FaZe membersposted their supportfor the organization on Twitter.
Update 1 – 4:31 p.m. ET
FaZe Clan’s response to today’s press article regarding Tfue: pic.twitter.com/eVdRVMnRpl
— FaZe Clan 🤟 (@FaZeClan) May 20, 2019
FaZe Clan has issued an official statement regarding the lawsuit from Tfue. In it, they claim that the organization has collected no money from his Youtube revenue, tournament winnings, Twitch revenue, and social platform.
Update 2: 4:57 p.m. ET
Earlier today Ricky Banks did an interview with Youtuber Keemstar about the allegations. In the video, he claims that the allegations are “complete bullshit” and that Tfue presented this lawsuit as leverage to get out of his contract.
We will update this story as new information is revealed.
