Hasan Piker, the online streamer and YouTube commentator known for his progressive views, described Osama bin Laden as a “spoiled brat” while discussing the al Qaeda leader’s rationale for carrying out the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Piker characterized the attacks as “blowback” from U.S. policies and military involvement in the Middle East.
In an interview with Axios, Piker addressed bin Laden’s stated grievances against the United States, including Washington’s support for Israel, its oil policies and the presence of American military bases across the region. He also pointed out that bin Laden had previously been aligned with the United States, which trained, financed and supplied Afghan mujahideen fighting the Soviet Union during the Soviet-Afghan War.
“The action was so heinous and so violent that — and also … given his position as formerly an American ally — I think that he came across a little bit more as a spoiled brat that wasn’t getting his way. With many backers in the Saudi kingdom as well and the royal family,” Piker said.
Twitch streamer Hasan Piker is facing renewed scrutiny over comments he made in an Axios interview, including his description of Osama bin Laden as a “spoiled brat” and his discussion of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. (Sam Barnes/Web Summit via Sportsfile via Getty Images)
The left-wing streamer added that he would prefer to see fewer figures like bin Laden “exist in general.”
Piker argued that one way to reduce the threat of such violence would be for the United States to avoid intervening in foreign conflicts and stop pursuing policies that, in his view, encourage retaliation.
The World Trade Center in New York City after being attacked by hijacked planes Sept. 11, 2001. (Newspix via Getty Images)
Although he referred to the Sept. 11 attacks as a “horrifying tragedy,” Piker also said they represented blowback from American actions in the Middle East.
“Blowback is not a justification. Blowback is just what it is,” he said. “A justification offers either a moral condemnation or a moral acceptance of the act. I do not accept the act of 9/11 morally.”
Piker has also drawn criticism for another comment from the interview in which he compared the United States with al Qaeda on a “pound for pound” basis.
“Pound for pound as far as the number of deaths, yes,” Piker said. “We have caused tremendous terror all around the world.”
