UK-based grassroots esports organisation The Goose House has been removed from the UKETC after turmoil gripped the organisation this week.
Following a slew of volunteers, staff and streamers announcing sudden departures from the organisation on September 27th, streamer Shan posted a public statement the following day accusing The Goose House’s co-owner Dan ‘eLSD’ Ellis of sexually inappropriate behaviour.
Esports Insider reached out to Ellis following the accusation but has not yet received a response.
Since the statement, many individuals have come out in support of the streamer, with some also highlighting previous negative experiences they have had with Ellis. Alongside being the CEO and co-owner of The Goose House, Ellis is also the Partnerships Director at esports agency Code Red Esports.
Following these developments, the UK Esports Team Committee (UKETC) announced that it has removed The Goose House from the committee, effective immediately. The UKETC, a non-profit organisation formed in 2021 that aims to support the UK esports scene, only recently announced The Goose House as a member earlier this month.
Esports Insider has spoken to individuals who have left the organisation to gain a better grasp of the situation. One source highlighted that people started to speak up about Ellis privately after Dek, one of The Goose House’s founders, stepped down. Dek made his departure public on September 25th.
The Goose House’s other co-owner, David Taylor, has also made public statements in support of Shan and those who suddenly left the organisation.
An excerpt reads: “I have reached out to Dan in an attempt to have him hand over ownership of TGHs biggest asset — our discord — as well as let him know about the legal path I am willing to take to ensure he hands over his 50% holdings in the business.
“I stand with Shan as well as anyone willing to come forward. We have built a safe space with ex-volunteers and stream team members, please reach out to me for an invite if you have been personally affected.”
The Goose House is most known for its VALORANT community, which has over 10,000 Discord members. The organisation has also hosted a variety of UK-focused esports events, such as the Birds of Prey Series, a women’s VALORANT tournament that allows qualification to VCT Game Changers Contenders.
Multiple individuals involved in The Goose House, including Shan herself, have reiterated that The Goose House itself wasn’t problematic, with Ellis being the point of contention.
