Actor Behind GTA 5’s Michael De Santa Faces Swatting During Live Stream, Stands by Rockstar Amid Fan Backlash

Ned Luke, the talented actor who portrayed Michael De Santa in Grand Theft Auto 5, found himself targeted by a swatting incident while live streaming GTA Online. Despite an outcry from fans, Luke remains steadfast in defending Rockstar Games, the developer behind the iconic game.

 

On November 23, during a live stream, Luke received a distressing call informing him that his residence was currently under threat of being swatted. Swatting, a dangerous harassment technique prevalent in the gaming and streaming community, involves obtaining personal information and prompting emergency services, often armed police, to respond to the victim’s location.

 

Fans of Luke swiftly criticized Rockstar, attributing the incident to the alleged failure to safeguard players’ IP addresses during GTA Online gameplay. In response, Luke dismissed these accusations, stating, “Y’all jumping to some large-ass conclusions. This had nothing to do with Rockstar. These assholes leaked my private info years ago and have been doing this since. Anyone’s info is available online if you are sick enough to really wanna find it.”

 

Swatting has plagued the streaming community for years, with even Fortnite world champion Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf falling victim to it at the young age of 16. The grave consequences of swatting became evident when 28-year-old Andrew Finch lost his life due to a hoax call to emergency services, marking the United States’ first fatal swatting incident.

 

The Incident involving Ned Luke underscores the urgency for enhanced online privacy measures and a collective effort to combat the malicious acts of swatting. As the gaming community grapples with these challenges, it is crucial to recognize that such incidents extend beyond the realm of game developers, emphasizing the responsibility of individuals to safeguard their personal information online.

 

In conclusion, the unfortunate swatting incident faced by Ned Luke serves as a stark reminder of the persistent dangers within the streaming community. Luke’s unwavering support for Rockstar Games highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of online threats, urging both developers and users to collaborate in creating a safer and more secure gaming environment.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Widespread Connectivity Issues Impact Thousands of Three Mobile Users in the UK

Image
In a significant disruption, tens of thousands of Three mobile customers in the UK find themselves grappling with a sudden loss of signal on their phones. Downdetector, a platform monitoring website performance, highlights that over 20,000 individuals reported disruptions to their mobile service on a Friday afternoon.   Expressing frustration on various social media platforms, customers lament their inability to make calls, send texts, or access mobile internet services. Three, in response, has issued apologies for the unexpected outages.   With a customer base exceeding 10 million across the UK, Three acknowledges the issue on its website. However, the actual scale of impact remains uncertain, given that those dependent on mobile internet may face challenges reporting the problem.   Initial reports of disruptions surfaced in limited numbers on Friday morning, escalating significantly as the day progressed. Notably, the outages extend beyond Three's direct c...
Read more

Transforming US Freight Networks: DOT's New Office Spearheads Progress

Image
In a significant move for the nation's freight sector, Allison Dane Camden assumes leadership as the first deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation's freshly established Office of Multimodal Freight Infrastructure and Policy. Camden, drawing on her experience from the Washington State Department of Transportation, is determined to elevate the role of this office and enhance its impact on the country's freight markets.   Formerly the deputy assistant secretary for multimodal development and delivery in Washington State, Camden now shoulders the responsibility of coordinating national freight policy across all states. Her mandate includes the creation of a National Multimodal Freight Network (NMFN) and the oversight of a groundbreaking data portal, Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW), launched by the Biden administration in March 2022.   In an exclusive conversation with Freight Waves, Camden shares her vision for the office ...
Read more

Choosing the Right Screen Protector: A Comprehensive Guide for Smartphone Users

Image
Introduction:   Dealing with a cracked smartphone screen is undeniably frustrating, especially considering the high costs of flagship phones and their subsequent repair services. Enter screen protectors – an essential accessory to safeguard your investment. However, with a plethora of options available, making the right choice can be challenging. Here's a comprehensive guide to understanding the types of screen protectors and how to pick the perfect one for your smartphone.   Types of Screen Protectors:   1. PET Film Screen Protectors:    - Cost-effective with scratch-resistant matte coating.    - Lacks impact resistance, more susceptible to discoloration.    - Popular for covering the entire curved display.   2. TPU Screen Protectors:    - Upgraded from PET film, offering improved elasticity and transparency.    - Boasts a 'self-healing' ability against minor impacts.    - Qual...
Read more

Embracing Cozy Sustainability: Unveiling Pangaia's Innovations in Eco-Friendly Fashion

Image
Indulging in holiday coziness takes on a sustainable flair with Pangaia, a revolutionary material science company at the forefront of eco-conscious clothing. Initially catapulted into the limelight by celebrities like Bella Hadid, Kourtney Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Justin Bieber sporting its opulent loungewear, Pangaia stands out for using unconventional yet environmentally friendly elements in its designs.   "In 2020, our focus was on crafting sustainable tracksuits, perfectly aligned with the rise of remote work and the growing trend of direct-to-consumer engagement," shares Dr. Amanda Parkes, Pangaia's Fashion Scientist and Chief Innovation Officer, in an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE.   The allure lies in Pangaia's unique approach, utilizing dyes derived from fruits, stuffing puffer coats with wildflowers, and incorporating peppermint to combat odor. Dr. Parkes emphasizes the power of contextualizing nature's wonders in fashion, transformi...
Read more

Exploring the Dynamic Story of Marc and Julie Platt, Parents of Ben Platt

Image
Ben Platt's journey into the limelight is closely intertwined with the harmonious notes of his family's musical legacy. Born on September 24, 1993, to the illustrious Marc and Julie Platt, Ben's upbringing was a symphony of passion for music and theater.   College Sweethearts and Shared Melodies   Marc, an accomplished producer with an Academy Award nomination to his name, and Julie, a dedicated Jewish philanthropist, kindled their love story during their freshman year at the University of Pennsylvania in 1979. Their connection was instantaneous, with Julie recalling, "I could check off every item on the list" of shared interests. They evolved from best friends to lovers, culminating in an engagement during their senior year at Penn's Hillel.   The Von Platt Family Singers   The Platt family, comprised of sons Jonah, Ben, and Henry, along with daughters Hannah and Sam, blossomed in Los Angeles. Renowned as the "Von Platt family singers,...
Read more

Seize the Deal: Vivo T2 Pro 5G Smartphone Now Available at a Massive Rs 3,000 Discount!

Image
Unlock Savings: Originally priced at Rs 26,999, the Vivo T2 Pro 5G is now available for just Rs 23,999 after an enticing 11% discount. But that's not all – additional bank offers sweeten the deal. Pay with your Flipkart Axis Bank card and enjoy an extra 5% cashback. Act fast to make the most of these exclusive offers!   Why the Vivo T2 Pro 5G is the Talk of the Town:   The Vivo T2 Pro 5G has taken the Indian market by storm, thanks to its unparalleled design and display. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own this sought-after smartphone. Order now on Flipkart and enjoy significant savings.   Exclusive Offers on the Vivo T2 Pro 5G:   Order the Vivo T2 Pro 5G on Flipkart and enjoy a substantial discount from its original price of Rs 26,999, now available for just Rs 23,999 after an 11% discount. Additionally, avail yourself of exclusive bank offers, including a 5% cashback when using the Flipkart Axis Bank card. Rest easy with a 1-year warranty prov...
Read more

Embracing the Twang: How Indie Rock Acts Are Redefining Country Music

Image
In the heart of Los Angeles, Mitski's "My Love Mine All Mine" unfolds like a whispered dirge, offering a gothic lounge experience within a tight two-minute timeframe. Despite its unconventional elements, including a choir, organ, bass, and the crucial pedal steel guitar associated with country and western music, the song has defied expectations by holding a position on the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 weeks as a wholly independent artist. Notably, it also dominated the No. 1 spot on Billboard's TikTok trending chart for an impressive 10 weeks.   While Mitski is not a native of the American South, her musical journey explores small-town USA, and she recently found inspiration in Nashville. This trend of indie artists delving into weeping Americana sounds isn't exclusive to Mitski; numerous contemporary indie rock acts, such as Angel Olsen, Waxahatchee, Plains, and Wednesday, draw influence from or originate in the South. The legacy of Lucinda Williams' "...
Read more

Ryan Gosling's Hilarious Reaction to 'I'm Just Ken' Winning 2024 Critics Choice Award Takes the Internet by Storm

Image
At the 2024 Critics' Choice Awards, Ryan Gosling injected some deadpan humor into the evening as his Barbie movie anthem, "I'm Just Ken," clinched the title for Best Song. The 43-year-old actor's seemingly stunned expression at the announcement has become a viral sensation, captivating the online community.   Bella Ramsey and Anthony Ramos, the presenters of the evening, declared the power ballad as the winner, prompting Gosling to raise his eyebrows in apparent disbelief. In a playful gesture, he stood up and shook his head while applauding the song's writers, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, who took the stage to accept the accolade.   During their acceptance speech, Ronson, 48, gave a nod to Gosling, addressing him directly, "Ryan Gosling, this is as much your award as ours. You made the audience fall in love with this song with your matchless performance, so thank you."   Gosling, along with director Greta Gerwig and co-writer Noah Bau...
Read more

Unraveling the Aftermath: Miles Robbins Addresses Backlash Over Susan Sarandon's Controversial Video

Image
In the aftermath of Susan Sarandon's recent dismissal by her agent amid the Israel-Hamas conflict controversy, her son, Miles Robbins, steps forward to express gratitude for the public support but urges fans to halt the circulation of a particular video that he deems inappropriate.   Acknowledging Support Amidst McCarthyist Blacklisting   Miles Robbins takes to X (formerly Twitter) to thank those defending his mother during what he calls a "McCarthyist blacklisting" period. Despite appreciating the solidarity, he specifically addresses a concern regarding the usage of a video that makes him uncomfortable. Robbins tweets, "I’m really grateful to see people on Twitter defending my mom amidst a new era of McCarthyist blacklisting, but can you PLEASE stop using the clip of her getting her hair done with her honkers out?"   Controversial Video Fuels Backlash   The video in question captures Susan Sarandon having her hair styled while dressed in a reve...
Read more

Top of the Charts: Ranbir Kapoor's 'Animal' Reigns Global Box Office, Outshining 'Napoleon' and 'Hunger Games' Worldwide

Image
Sandeep Vanga Reddy's intense Bollywood saga, "Animal," featuring Ranbir Kapoor, has soared to the pinnacle of global cinema, securing the coveted top spot with an impressive $42.1 million in worldwide earnings, as reported by ComScore.   Unleashed across 38 international regions, "Animal" witnessed a staggering global gross, including a remarkable $6.1 million in North America, where it premiered across 850 venues and claimed the 7th position. Domestically in India, the film's reign began at No. 1, amassing a substantial $28.8 million over its opening weekend.   In this cinematic venture, Ranbir Kapoor takes on the role of the son of India's wealthiest magnate, portrayed by Anil Kapoor (of "Slumdog Millionaire" fame, unrelated). His adversary in the film is portrayed by Bobby Deol ("Ashram"), with additional star power from Rashmika Mandanna ("Pushpa: The Rise – Part 1").   Much like Reddy's earlier works, i...
Read more