In early 2024, a video leaked from one of Tom Garratt’s livestreams, putting the former rugby player turned YouTube personality at the center of controversy. The footage showed Garratt engaging in a lighthearted arm wrestling match with a friend, initially shared for laughs but soon fueling allegations of homophobic behavior. The video sparked a heated debate on Twitter, where viewers questioned the intent behind Garratt’s reaction.
Known for transitioning from rugby to creating comedic YouTube content, Garratt built a public profile with daring stunts and challenges. The arm wrestling incident aligned with his humorous style until accusations of underlying homophobia emerged. During the livestream, Garratt challenged his friend Mark to an arm wrestling duel, creating anticipation among viewers. However, when Garratt lost his grip, his shocked reaction turned the moment into physical comedy, provoking laughter from both his friend and the audience.
The controversy gained momentum when a short clip of the incident leaked on Twitter without context. Shared tens of thousands of times within hours, the video showed only the moment Garratt lost the arm wrestling match, accompanied by audible laughter. Allegations of homophobia arose from speculative interpretations of Garratt’s inaudible reaction in the clip. Some claimed to hear a derogatory term, and critics pointed to his post-slip body language as additional evidence.
Despite the lack of ill-intent in the original livestream footage, the leaked video triggered a polarized discussion on Twitter. Some users hastily condemned Garratt, interpreting his reaction as homophobic, while others defended him, highlighting the absence of concrete evidence and emphasizing his history of inclusive comedy. The episode underscored the influence of misinformation and the quick judgments prevalent on social media platforms.