Nina Lin denies permanent Twitch ban as platform message fuels speculation

Streamer Nina Lin has responded to online claims that she has been permanently banned from Twitch, disputing the reports while acknowledging that she has yet to return to the platform following her latest suspension.

On November 30, footage from one of Lin’s Twitch streams circulated widely online after it appeared to show her stealing items at a Target self-checkout. In the clip, she scanned lower-priced goods while taking more expensive items, including steaks, without paying the full amount.

After viewers criticised her actions, Lin admitted to the theft during the stream and dismissed the impact, stating that Target “isn’t losing money”.

She later held up a pair of boots from the store and asked viewers to guess how much she paid, answering “$3.99”, suggesting she had scanned a different item.

The incident led to Lin being banned from Twitch for the third time in a matter of weeks, following a previous suspension related to resurfaced “assault” clips. She has not streamed on Twitch since.

On December 18, posts began circulating on social media claiming Lin had been permanently banned from the platform.

Lin denied the reports on Instagram, writing, “Ain’t no way MFs making sh*t up now,” and accusing others of being “obsessed” with her. She added that she would return and suggested she might create a full trailer for her comeback.

In a subsequent post, Lin wrote, “Wait til I’m back. Can’t wait for them to be mad,” while asking followers to send her posts referencing the alleged permanent ban.

Twitch does not comment on individual enforcement actions. However, users attempting to access Lin’s channel currently see a notice stating: “This channel is currently unavailable due to a violation of Twitch’s Community Guidelines or Terms of Service.” That wording has prompted speculation, as it differs from the message used for temporary suspensions.

Twitch has not publicly explained the distinction between these notices. As a result, there is currently no confirmation on whether Lin’s ban is permanent or when she may be allowed to return to the platform.