Game Grumps' Dan Avidan is again accused of grooming young fans
Game Grumps may be one of the most popular gaming channels on YouTube, but that fame comes with a lot of potential for controversy. There is even a subreddit dedicated to criticizing Game Grumps called rantGrumps. A recent post on the subreddit, however, seemed to be more than just your typical complaint about the YouTube channel. It accused host Daniel Avidan of grooming minors.
The post shared the victim’s story, providing screenshots and videos as evidence against Avidan. This included a video Avidan had sent to the underaged fan that said he “wished you were here” to join him in a hot tub at a hotel. A screenshot showed Avidan asked for sexually explicit videos from the victim, who was 18 at the time. Avidan was 34.
The anonymous woman stated that Avidan reached out to her in 2013 when she was 17 and that their conversations lasted for the next year. Once she turned 18, Avidan started sending sexual messages to her. She claims they ended up meeting backstage at a Game Grumps Live show and had a sexual encounter while there. After that meeting, Avidan allegedly stopped contacting her.
Game Grumps Dan Avidan accused of grooming underaged fans
While fans of the Game Grumps noted that this subreddit might be targeting the YouTubers due to their hatred of the hosts, this isn’t the first time that Avidan has been accused of grooming minors and manipulating his female fans.
Avidan’s former personal assistant and friend, Kati Schwartz, performed a play in New York called “Bad People,” which was based on her experience with Avidan. She recently posted on Instagram that she wanted the “writing and play” to “speak for itself,” calling Avidan a predator and a “dangerous man.” Her play encouraged other victims of Avidan to come forward and share their stories.
The alleged events took place from 2013 to 2017. Avidan would allegedly approach women, cultivate a relationship with them and hint that they might date, arrange to meet them for a weekend, and then completely ghost them after hooking up.
A fan came forward in October 2020 and stated that Avidan started talking to her when she was 17. Even when she was a minor, Avidan was calling her “beautiful” and asking to meet up with her. When she turned 21, Avidan initiated sex with her. They had an affair that occurred even while Avidan was with his girlfriend, Ashley.
“I was the victim of a charismatic, rich and famous man,” Schwartz wrote. “I was led to believe I was special, seen, loved, and CHOSEN. It was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. Falling under his spell lead to me abandoning my values and doing ANYTHING for this person. I was manipulated, abused, and ultimately had my entire sense of self taken from me. Five years later, I’m still recovering every day.”
Schwartz’ accusations are similar to another anonymous person’s experience with Avidan. This woman was 30 when she started being manipulated by the musician and YouTuber. He allegedly told her he loved her and wanted to “build an empire” with her. He booked them fancy hotels across Los Angeles. But when she asked for something more serious, he ghosted her.
Soon after, she found out he was doing the same thing to her friend.
Not all of those accusing Avidan are minors. Many of the female fans he allegedly manipulated were adults. But it seems that it makes little difference to many members of a community that has already made up its mind about Avidan. With more than 10 alleged victims coming forward with similar stories, it’s clear that people are hoping Avidan faces consequences for how he has treated some fans.
Avidan has not made any statements regarding the allegations.
Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.
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