Controversial streamer Herschel “Guy” Beahm IV, famously known as Dr Disrespect, has announced the reinstatement of his YouTube monetization, marking a significant turn after a period of uncertainty. This news arrives amidst the closure of Midnight Society, the gaming studio he co-founded, creating a complex narrative around the online personality. For fans new and old, a common question arises: how old is Dr Disrespect? Born on March 10, 1982, Guy Beahm is currently 42 years old, and has built a long and impactful career in the gaming and streaming world, under the persona of Dr Disrespect.
Getty Images Content creator Dr Disrespect at a golf tournament, wearing a red tshirt and a black and red headset.
Dr Disrespect, a character known for his boisterous and often audacious online presence, faced a setback when YouTube revoked his monetization privileges. This decision followed allegations that led to his departure from Midnight Society last year. The studio, responsible for the anticipated shooter game Deadrop, severed ties with Beahm after becoming aware of these unspecified allegations.
While Dr Disrespect denied any serious wrongdoing, he admitted to sending messages to a minor in 2017, maintaining that “nothing illegal happened.” Despite the controversy, he boasts a substantial following of 4.5 million subscribers on YouTube. The monetization block impacted his income and sponsorships, but in a recent stream, he declared, “we’ve got our YouTube monetization back,” signaling a recovery for his online career on the platform.
YouTube confirmed the reinstatement to BBC Newsbeat, stating that Dr Disrespect was readmitted to the partner program “after careful review of the channel’s recent activity.” The platform clarified that the initial suspension was due to “violations of our Creator Responsibility policies.” However, they also cautioned that “if there are further violations, we’ll take appropriate action,” indicating a probationary period for the streamer.
The Tumultuous Journey of Dr Disrespect
Dr Disrespect’s online persona is characterized by chaotic gameplay and assertive commentary, which has garnered both admiration and criticism. His career has been marked by sudden shifts and controversies. Prior to the recent YouTube monetization issues and Midnight Society departure, he experienced a dramatic exit from Twitch, where he had established a significant fanbase. In 2020, Twitch abruptly banned Dr Disrespect, and the reasons remained publicly undisclosed.
In 2022, Dr Disrespect and Twitch reached a settlement, with neither party admitting fault. Twitch, owned by Amazon, maintained its stance that actions are taken when users violate platform rules, but never explicitly detailed Dr Disrespect’s infraction. Later, in June of last year, a former Twitch employee suggested the ban was related to messages sent to a minor, aligning with the recent allegations that surfaced around his departure from Midnight Society.
Addressing these past issues, Beahm acknowledged sending inappropriate messages and apologized to his “community and colleagues.” He stated, “That’s on me as an adult, a husband and a father… it should have never happened,” taking personal responsibility for his actions. Following the YouTube monetization suspension, Dr Disrespect took a break from streaming before returning in September. In November, he entered into a partnership with video platform Rumble to lead their gaming division, diversifying his presence across different platforms.
In parallel to Dr Disrespect’s personal career shifts, Midnight Society, the studio he co-founded, announced its closure after three years. This closure reflects broader challenges within the gaming industry, where companies like Ubisoft and Bioware have also announced workforce reductions and project adjustments for 2025. Midnight Society had previously undergone layoffs in September 2024 but initially aimed to still release their game, Deadrop, this year.
The studio cited its inability to achieve its “ultimate goal” with Deadrop as the reason for closing. The game’s development was partly funded through the sale of NFTs, digital assets that saw an initial surge in popularity followed by a significant decline in value. Investors who purchased these NFTs are now inquiring about potential refunds. BBC Newsbeat has reached out to Midnight Society for comment but has not yet received a response.
Dr Disrespect’s journey reflects the volatile and often unpredictable nature of online careers. At 42 years old, he navigates the complexities of streaming platforms, public image, and the evolving landscape of the gaming industry. His return to YouTube monetization offers a fresh start, but the shadow of past controversies and the closure of his studio underscore the ongoing challenges and transformations in his professional life.
