Honda has ended its six-year sponsorship with Team Liquid after a player posted a tweet that sparked a major backlash. 

The issue began when Lucas ‘DiasLucasBr�Dias, a Rainbow Six Siege player for Team Liquid, made a post on social media after losing to Japan’s CAG Osaka in the RE:LO:AD tournament.

His post included a GIF of a nuclear explosion, which is a symbol that carries deep pain in Japan due to its past. The post quickly gained traction for being tone-deaf.

Dias deleted the post soon after and apologised on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, May 15. He said the post was a ‘big mistake�and did not want to hurt or offend anyone. Still, the damage had already been done.

In response, Team Liquid fined Dias four months�salary. The team also shared that all coaches and players will participate in sensitivity training. The Rainbow Six team added that they will donate all their prize money from the RE:LO:AD event to charity.

Despite these efforts, Honda said the post went against its values. As a result, it has decided not to continue its deal with Team Liquid. The two first teamed up in 2019, with Honda becoming a major sponsor across Team Liquid’s esports divisions.

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