VTuber Terminated Due to 'Dangerous' Activities

YouTube streamer and VTuber Riro Ron was terminated from Idol Corp due to "dangerous" activities. The announcement was made on social media after an internal investigation was conducted to look into the VTuber's recent actions.

Riro debuted under Idol Corp's English branch just last February. She's described as an extraterrestrial disguised as a human with bright pink hair and purple antennas sticking out of her head. Since her debut, her YouTube channel, where she streamed games and uploaded original songs, has garnered over 57,000 subscribers. But earlier this month, she apologized on stream for offering to meet with fans in person, and subsequently went on hiatus to focus on her mental health. Hiatus announcements aren't uncommon in the VTuber scene, as creators like Rayshii recently announced her Twitch break.

A few weeks later, Idol Corp announced that it terminated Riro for a number of contract violations, where she engaged in "dangerous and harmful" activities to both herself and the company. In a statement, the agency accused the VTuber's of various violations, such as misuse of controlled substances, having private offline meetings with fans, and having a secret relationship with a staff member. Idol Corp will be shutting down Riro's YouTube channel and canceling all memberships on January 1, 2024. It also offered fans refunds for merchandise and donations made during the VTuber's recent Donothon.

Many VTuber fans were shocked by Riro's termination, especially after reading the reasons cited by Idol Corp. Some commended the agency for its transparency on the matter, while others wished other VTuber talents and staff members well during this difficult time. This isn't the first time a well-known VTuber agency has cut ties with its talents. Last April, Phase Connect terminated Fuura Yuri for also violating her contract.

Meanwhile, some fans are already expecting Riro to reappear as an independent VTuber in the future. A number of VTubers, such as popular Twitch streamer Nyanners, went down a similar route after leaving their previous agencies. But in Riro's case, she might go by another name, since it's possible that Idol Corp might own the Riro Ron brand and identity.

VTuber terminations are never fun for the creators or their dedicated fans. While there are some who leave because they want to explore other opportunities, Riro's firing and other similar situations will understandably disappoint many people. But considering how popular VTubers have gotten in the last few years, especially with the likes of Iron Mouse raking in Twitch subscribers, they still have the opportunity to flourish despite the challenges that come their way.