Esports Host Paints Herself Black Following Short Skirt Criticism
Zhazha, a commentator for the Naraka: Bladepoint Pro League (NBLP), faced online criticism after appearing on broadcast wearing a short skirt while sitting cross-legged. Viewers accused her of appealing to the “male gaze” to boost viewership, with some suggesting production may have pressured her to wear the outfit.
In response to the harassment, Zhazha returned to air in a full-body black outfit and face paint, cosplaying as “The Criminal,” a character from the anime and manga series Detective Conan. The all-black costume completely obscured her body—a stark visual contrast to the criticized outfit and a pointed commentary on the scrutiny she faced.
The incident reflects ongoing tensions in esports communities regarding the sexualization and appearance-based criticism directed at female broadcasters and hosts. Zhazha’s creative costume response went viral, with many viewing it as satirical commentary on the narrow expectations placed on women in esports commentary roles. Rather than engaging verbally with detractors, she used the visual metaphor of anime cosplay to address the accusations, effectively redirecting the conversation back onto those who had leveled the criticism.