Recently, I found myself in a situation that I never imagined I’d be in—running a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help cover legal costs. My lawyer, Ron Coleman, is defending me against Alyssa Mercante's ongoing harassment campaign, which continues to escalate against both me and my channel. Turning to the community for support was... not an easy decision, but I'd had so many of you reach out asking how you could help - the response has been nothing short of incredible. I genuinely can't thank everyone enough for having my back.
When I launched the GoFundMe with a goal of $2,500, I hoped that we could reach it or even come close at some point - just to help with the legal expenses. But I was absolutely blown away when we managed to SMASH that goal in just 4 hours. It was humbling to see so many of you step up to help, showing just how powerful the gaming community can be when we support each other.
To each and every one of you—whether you gave $500 (Melonie, ABF you guys rock!!) or a few bucks—every bit has helped, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Or those who made videos covering it - 8BitEric, Kilted Cajun, Hypnotic, Will of the Fans, aTraes, Side Scrollers, Valliant Renegade, Yellow Flash, Legal Mindset and a TON of others - The insane amount of support not only provided the financial means to fight back - but - also showed that we're not alone in standing up against her continued harassment and time-wasting accusations. The sense of solidarity this community has shown is beyond inspiring... and I am truly grateful.
The Dark Side of the Response
Of course, it’s not all roses. There's always another side to the coin, and the support for Alyssa Mercante speaks volumes. Those who align with her seem to want nothing but to see me fail, at all cost...
...Just in hopes to watch my world come crashing down. It's genuinely sad that instead of coming together as gamers, there's always some people out there actively trying to tear down what we’ve built.
I’ve had some people share with me screenshots of some of them attempting to report the GoFundMe campaign, saying it doesn't qualify as an "emergency."
Think about that—people actively going out of their way to try and stop others from supporting me. It’s beyond pathetic, but that’s the reality of the kind of people who support Alyssa.
Shocking, right?
Anyway- It genuinely pained me to have to reach out to you guys for this support. But the reality of this situation left me with no other choice... While the support has been incredible, it's a double-edged sword. Alyssa's now using this opportunity to disparage not just me but the entire gaming community at large. Her frivolous cease-and-desist threats are nothing but another attempt to paint all of us in a negative light, proving once again her true agenda: she’s an activist pushing her own narrative, with no care for gaming, gamers, or our community. This is someone who’s been propped up by Kotaku, and it's clear she does not have the best interests of gamers at heart.
But - good news: The haters have failed... and real gamers are rising up. We’re not going to be silenced, and we’re certainly not going to let anyone bully us into submission. This community has shown time and time again that when we unite, we achieve incredible things. We’re here to support each other, and we’re not going anywhere!
To everyone who contributed, shared the campaign, or simply stood by me—thank you. Ron is the best - and the best comes at a cost. This fight isn’t just about me; it’s about standing up against the forces that seek to divide us and control our community. And I have no doubt we’re on the right side of history.
Thank you so, so much.
~Smash
it's a good thing kotaku isnt a paperback I can't imagine reading Kotaku as a magazine, they're articles have become so volatile and nonsensical these days. theres no more game news from them anymore, just "you should play this". let this be their downfall, ive already blocked them from my newsfeed and its been noticably better
don't worry boss, we'll get em first chance we get!
Keep fighting that good fight we're with you till the end