"Flying to a remote island": Banks says he "might never come back" following recent FaZe Clan controversy

Richard Bengston, also known as "Banks," has shared a rather cryptic social media post following the recent FaZe Clan controversy, stating that he was "flying to a remote island," adding that he "might never come back." For those unaware, Banks recently found himself embroiled in a controversy after he shared his thoughts on the departure of popular streamers Rani "Stable Ronaldo," Jason "Jasontheween," Alexander "Adapt," Nick "Lacy," and Jerry "Silky" from FaZe Clan.

The 34-year-old also revealed why Maxwell "Plaqueboymax" left the Los Angeles-based organization in August 2025, calling him out for his actions in a video posted on X. Furthermore, on December 27, 2025, Banks was accused of grooming TikTok star Charli D'Amelio.

On December 29, 2025, Richard shared an Instagram Story in which he said the following:

"flying to a remote island, might never come back"

In another Instagram Story, the former FaZe Clan CEO suggested that he was traveling to a French-speaking Caribbean island, Saint Barthelemy:

"Coming straight to you St-Barthélemy"

Instagram Stories that Banks posted on December 29, 2025 (Image via instagram.com/stories/banks)

Fans on X had a lot to say about the situation.

"Pretty sure we know how these private island things work out" X user @cultra stated. "Famous people and islands DO NOT mix well" X user @PlayoffKings remarked. "Hope he finds clarity and peace out there, sometimes stepping away helps you return stronger and wiser." X user @barfield_gina commented.

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What did Banks say in response to grooming allegations?

Banks responded to allegations of having an inappropriate relationship with Charli D'Amelio with a statement posted on X on December 27, 2025.

Expressing his belief that people had 'crossed the ultimate line' by "lying about something so disgusting and harmful," Richard stated that his lawyers "will be in contact" with Plaqueboymax's legal team:

"Wow, the ultimate line has been crossed. To lie about something so disgusting and harmful is despicable. You guys are pure evil. For the record I first met Charli in April of 2024 a couple weeks before her 20th birthday. Our relationship is nobody's business and it's disgusting that these people lied about it to hurt me with zero regard for how it affects her. I'm on the phone with Charli as I type this. This is beyond unfair. Neither her or I deserve this and again we will be in pursuit of the truth and handling this legally moving forward. Our lawyers will be in contact with PlaqueBoyMax team."

Charli D'Amelio eventually replied to Banks' X post with a thumbs-up emoji.

Edited by Aarnesh Shrivastava