For months now, many of you guys have been asking how you can help in the ongoing battle against those seeking to silence independent voices in the video game industry. While I genuinely hoped it wouldn’t come to this, after having a meeting with my lawyer Ron Coleman, he has informed me that the situation has escalated to this point, and I’m left with no choice but to ask for your support.
I’ve officially created a GiveSendGo campaign to raise funds for my legal defense against Alyssa Mercante’s baseless and malicious lawsuit. The amount requested by Ron Coleman, a VERY badass, well-seasoned attorney with a track record of defending free speech, is significant, but unfortunately, it’s putting my family in a tough financial bind.
The initial retainer fee of $25,000 is coming straight out of my kids’ college fund savings—a move I never thought we’d ever have to make. Any additional assistance from this campaign will go directly towards this cost.
The Lawsuit
Alyssa Mercante, former "Senior Editor" at Kotaku, has decided to escalate her long-standing obsession with attacking my professional coverage of the gaming industry by filing an outrageous and frivolous lawsuit against me in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. This 54-page document, filled with lies and false assumptions, accuses me of ridiculous claims such as:
“Stochastic terrorism”
Defamation
Bias-related violence or intimidation
Intentional infliction of emotional distress
Tortious interference
The allegations thrown at me are obviously beyond absurd and clearly designed to drain my resources, smear my reputation, and force me into silence. It won't work. It NEVER will. This isn’t just an attack on me—it’s an attack on all gamers and independent creators who dare to challenge industry narratives.
The Bigger Picture
This lawsuit isn’t about seeking justice or accountability. It’s just about silencing dissent, punishing critique, and maintaining relevance through a high-profile and very expensive legal battle. Mercante has even retained activist lawyers with a clear agenda to weaponize the legal system against me and, by extension, against anyone else who values free expression and fair critique.
Why This Matters
This fight is bigger than me. Far bigger. It’s about standing up against the misuse of the legal system to bully and silence independent voices in the video game community. I’ve always strived to provide fair and honest analysis for my audience, and I refuse to let this baseless attack deter me from that mission.
How You Can Help
The Smash JT Defense Fund on GiveSendGo has been launched to cover the legal fees required to fight this battle. The $25,000 goal represents 100% the exact amount required to retain Ron Coleman’s services for this case. Any additional contributions will go towards ongoing legal expenses and ensuring my family’s safety during this trying time.
Every little bit helps. Whether you’re able to contribute financially or simply share the campaign link, your support genuinely means the world to me and my family.
Final Thoughts
This case is a pivotal moment for the entire gaming community. It’s about showing that we won’t be silenced by baseless lawsuits and intimidation tactics. I’m eternally grateful for the outpouring of support I’ve already received, and with your help, we can ensure that truth and fairness - as we always do - WIN!
Thank you so much for standing with me in this fight.
~Smash
"This case is a pivotal moment for the entire gaming community."
Donated! ♥
Oh man, looting your kids college fund because you can't apologize for misogyny. Nice. Good luck.
Just donated. Not that much, but I hope this can help you in our fight against video games freedom.
We gotchu, buddy. Already hit the goal, and still climbing. It’s time to shut this idiot up for good.