In a recent twist that has taken the anime community by storm, popular American YouTuber, IShowSpeed, has claimed he has been whitelisted to stream episodes of the beloved series, One Piece. This announcement has stirred significant controversy, especially given the strict licensing controls typically enforced by the creators of the series.
A Meeting with a One Piece Producer
IShowSpeed, known for his dynamic online presence and enthusiastic fanbase, has long expressed his deep admiration for One Piece. The series, which has captured the hearts of millions worldwide, holds a special place in the YouTuber’s journey. In candid disclosures, IShowSpeed has shared how the anime offered solace during a particularly challenging period in his life, helping him overcome depression.
Highlighting his dedication, the YouTuber recently unveiled his gaming setup inspired by One Piece, featuring elements like the Straw Hat Pirates Jolly Roger and a 3D-printed head of Luffy, the show’s protagonist. These personal touches underscore his commitment as a fan, setting the stage for his latest, and perhaps most controversial, revelation.
Skepticism from One Piece’s Official Circles
During a live stream, IShowSpeed excitedly announced that he met with Miki Kobayashi, a producer associated with Toei Animation, who allegedly granted him permission to stream One Piece episodes directly on his channel. This would be a groundbreaking privilege, given the anime’s tight control over its broadcasting rights.
IShowSpeed further teased his audience with promises of an upcoming vlog that would substantiate his claims, adding more layers to an already intriguing narrative. However, not everyone is convinced by Speed’s announcement.
The Road Ahead
The response from the One Piece establishment was swift and skeptical. Greg Werner, a series advisor for the upcoming live-action adaptation of One Piece on Netflix, expressed doubts over the authenticity of Speed’s claim. In a tweet, Werner suggested that Speed might have been misinformed by an “oblivious low-rung Toei US-based employee,” hinting that the permission could extend only to the use of clips, not full episodes.
Werner’s tweet underscored a significant concern: “But if anyone showed full eps for free, every single OP streaming service would be raising eyebrows.” This statement highlights the potential implications of such a permission, if true, on the numerous platforms that have invested heavily in securing streaming rights for the series.
As the anime community buzzes with debates and speculation, the situation remains fluid. Fans of IShowSpeed and One Piece eagerly await concrete updates. Will this bold claim prove to be a milestone in content sharing agreements, or will it dissolve as a misunderstanding? Only time—and perhaps that promised vlog—will tell.
Meanwhile, the incident has reignited discussions about content rights, fan engagement, and the evolving dynamics between creators and their audiences. As we watch this saga unfold, one thing is clear: the lines between content creators and rights holders may be blurring, leading to new opportunities and challenges in the digital age.