Shaken by an early fourth-place finish in LEC,
Karmine Corp now faces a new internal crisis. Since their elimination from the LEC and Worlds qualification on Friday, LEC Assistant Coach Žiga "
Apples" Jereb has been accused by numerous fans of highly inappropriate behavior. With the club's reputation at stake, Karmine Corp launched an internal investigation on Sunday and announced
the immediate suspension of the assistant coach pending the investigation's outcome.
Accusations circulating on social media take several forms, but multiple testimonies from fans allege that Apples engaged in inappropriate exchanges with female supporters of the organization, attempting to leverage his status to seduce them.
Screenshots appear to show the assistant coach leaking scrim information to fans and making unwanted sexual advances that left some of them feeling uncomfortable. He is also accused of pressuring individuals into silence in order to protect his career.
Beyond these claims, further — though less substantiated — allegations have surfaced. Zero Tenacity owner Dimitrije
“Hebibrows” Malesevic has accused Apples of match-fixing, while former professional player Jakob
“Jackspektra” Gullvåg Kepple
alleged that Apples exploited his naivety to undermine his career opportunities during the offseason.
Kamel "
Kameto" Kebir, the organization's CEO, immediately addressed the situation during a stream this Sunday evening, just
two days after Karmine Corp's tough loss. He reassured fans, stating, "
Karmine Corp will always stand up for the victims." Kamet0 clarified that neither he, Kotei (KC’s COO), nor any other board members were aware of the allegations, though he acknowledged that some people within the organization had prior knowledge. "
Depending on the results of the investigations, there will be consequences. I realize there are many things that need to change, and there will be some sorting out," he said candidly. Kameto also admitted that the background checks should have been much more thorough to prevent such a situation.
He emphasized his commitment to supporting anyone affected, urging victims to come forward: "If you are a victim, never hesitate to talk to me. I will always defend you 100%. These are serious and important matters." Kamet0 concluded with an open call for evidence and dialogue: "If anyone has evidence of anything, send me a message if you have the strength; I will always be there to learn more and help." The club intends to make amends and punish those accused. This is a crisis the club would have preferred to avoid, especially after already facing heavy criticism regarding rumors about team management during the Summer Split.
