Karmine Corp has suspended its League of Legends European Championship (LEC) Assistant Coach Žiga “Apples” Jereb after a wave of misconduct allegations surfaced online.
Le club a pris connaissance de potentiels éléments concernant un collaborateur ne correspondant pas aux standards de professionnalisme attendus par le club.
Une enquête interne a été initiée dès les premiers éléments apparus ce matin sur les réseaux sociaux. En attente des…
— Karmine Corp (@KarmineCorp) September 28, 2025
The French esports giant announced on Sunday that Apples has been suspended with immediate effect while the organisation conducts an internal investigation into the claims.
Allegations Surface Online
The controversy broke out on September 28 when multiple posts appeared on social media accusing Apples of inappropriate behaviour towards female fans of Karmine Corp. The screenshots, now circulating widely, suggest that he allegedly used his position to make unwanted advances and shared confidential scrim information with supporters in an attempt to impress them.
Apples qui leak absolument TOUT nos try out LEC/LFL scrims etc à des meufs https://t.co/H4JLt8eauc pic.twitter.com/It2PlaAEK5
— RDM (@RO1DUMONDE) September 28, 2025
Some testimonies also claim that Apples pressured fans into silence to protect his role within the team. One individual alleged he threatened self-harm if his behaviour was ever made public, a tactic experts recognise as a form of emotional abuse.
Former professional player Jakob “Jackspektra” Gullvåg Kepple also came forward, accusing Apples of sabotaging his early career by misleading teams during the off-season. Meanwhile, Zero Tenacity owner Dimitrije “Hebibrows” Malesevic alleged that Apples attempted to exploit insider roster information for betting purposes.
When I was first starting out in esports apples reached out to me and asked me what teams I was thinking about joining, me being naive I told him both my options
He then went to both of the teams and told them I wouldn’t join so he could bring in his own roster 👍 https://t.co/xJUyWpuh6O
— Jackspektra (@Jackspektra) September 28, 2025
Karmine Corp Responds
In an official statement, Karmine Corp confirmed it was aware of the accusations and had launched an internal probe:
“The club has become aware of potential issues concerning an employee that do not align with the standards of professionalism expected by the club. An internal investigation was initiated as soon as the first elements appeared. Pending the conclusion of this investigation, the employee has been suspended with immediate effect.”
CEO Kamel “Kameto” Kebir also addressed the issue during a livestream. He told fans that Karmine Corp “will always stand up for the victims” and encouraged anyone with evidence to come forward. However, he admitted that some within the organisation had prior knowledge of Apples’ behaviour, conceding that background checks had not been thorough enough.
“Depending on the results of the investigations, there will be consequences,” Kameto said. “I realise there are many things that need to change, and there will be some sorting out.”
A Wider Problem in Esports
The case is the latest in a string of misconduct scandals across competitive gaming in 2025. Just weeks ago, FlyQuest suspended top laner Gabriël “Bwipo” Rau following controversial remarks about women in esports, while FunPlus Phoenix benched Cai “Milkyway” Zi-Jun indefinitely in August for alleged rule violations in the LPL.
The allegations against Apples have also reignited concerns about the treatment of women in the League of Legends community. Some fans expressed frustration online, suggesting that his behaviour was an “open secret” for years that only came to light under mounting public pressure.
What’s Next
Apples, who joined Karmine Corp in early 2024 and was part of the coaching staff when the team won the 2025 LEC Winter Playoffs, remains suspended as the investigation continues.
Karmine Corp has not yet revealed when the inquiry will conclude or whether Apples will return to his role. For now, the situation remains a major test for one of Europe’s most popular esports organisations as it battles to rebuild trust with fans and the wider community.