Super Smash Bros. Melee Pro Jason Zimmerman, better known as “Mew2King,” was scheduled to appear this weekend at the Xtreme Fighters Showdown in Austin. That was until yesterday, when the event team decided to ban Zimmerman from appearing at the last minute. The decision came following concerns over a viral post from the player. Asking fans about the sores along his arms and legs, other participants grew increasingly concerned that Zimmerman would spread bedbugs throughout the competition.
“For the safety of our event, XFS 2026, we have politely informed Mew2King,” event staff said, “he will not be able to participate or attend our event this weekend due to a self-reported health issue.”
In a now-deleted post, Zimmerman on Thursday asked the public to help ease his health anxiety. Riddled with swollen red marks, he was convinced he had been bitten by fleas from a roommate’s cat, although others suggested the bites came from a bedbug infestation.
I posted an article about my thoughts on things. Ngl, I’m turning off replies because of the types of nasty messages many people have sent me that I don’t want to see or deal with. I won’t be streaming for a while (maybe weeks, I don’t know). Thanks to those who care, thank youhttps://t.co/kJsNRn4jsz
— Jason Zimmerman (@MVG_Mew2King) October 17, 2026
“(I had) about 100 on my body 2 months ago,” Zimmerman posted. “Like my whole body. It’s not even the worst picture, not even close.” He continued to explain that the bites were recurring and that was part of the reason he was considering moving from Ohio to California. Whatever the cause, Xtreme Fighters Showdown decided to prevent other guests from potentially suffering the same thing.
Despite the stereotypes about Smash Bros. In the community, anyone who avoids sidewalk mattresses will attest that bed bugs are notorious hitchhikers. Able to hide in the seams of clothing and furniture and transmit it to new hosts. Although it’s not the end of the world, they can be difficult to remove from a home once infested. Other competitors came to Zimmerman’s defense following the ridicule. “(Please) have some grace and don’t bully another community member into further mental decline,” said Juan “Hungrybox” DeBiedma, co-owner of Team Liquid. “He relies on the few friends he has to be able to live anywhere and often those living conditions are not ideal. He was told he shouldn’t go to the event, and he listened and agreed.”
Zimmerman has since responded to the ban, regretting the initial post and saying the photos were disproportionate. Living in a house with 10 pets and a sitter, it’s even more certain that bites come from a cat and most subsequent scabs come from its own intrusive habits. He also points out that the photo of his leg is outdated and that the situation has improved since then. He wondered if the more recent swelling in his hand was related, as he had put a strain on his fingers from training. He adds that if he had truly felt he was putting the community in danger, he would have resigned before causing outrage.
“I feel like I could have said nothing and everything was fine,” Zimmerman wrote in a statement. “It makes me think about how many people could potentially find themselves in a bad situation themselves, but stupidly don’t say anything in public… I feel pretty bad, stupid and frustrated. »
For now, Zimmerman says he will step away from competing and streaming, continuing to improve his health, as he said he has focused on in recent months.
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