08:05 AM EDT, 06/04/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Morgan Stanley's ( MS ) E*Trade is considering banning Keith Gill from trading on its platform over potential stock manipulation surrounding his recent purchases of GameStop ( GME ) shares, The Wall Street Journal reported Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Gill, also known as Roaring Kitty and DeepF***Value, ignited the GameStop ( GME ) short squeeze in January 2021. The video game store's stock recently surged again after Gill started making public posts in May after keeping quiet for years.

Gill bought a large volume of GameStop ( GME ) options on E*Trade after reigniting interest in the stock, the Journal said, adding that he also owns $140 million worth of GameStop ( GME ) shares.

E*Trade and its owner Morgan Stanley ( MS ) are currently debating whether Gill's actions amount to manipulation and whether they are willing to risk drawing attention from his online followers by removing him from the platform, according to the report.

No decision has been made yet, the Journal said.

Morgan Stanley ( MS ) and GameStop ( GME ) did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' requests for comment.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Price: 27.24, Change: -0.76, Percent Change: -2.71