Ryan Piasente, the manager behind prominent YouTuber collective Misfits and popular merch company Revolt, is facing serious accusations of fraud and pr*datory behavior after an expose by investigator Stephen “Coffeezilla”. The allegations paint a disturbing picture of greed, exploitation and abuse. This article explores the key claims and why the creator community is demanding accountability.
How Did Revolt Become So Successful?
Revolt experienced meteoric growth working with top creators like MrBeast to produce merch drops that generated tens of millions in revenue. At its peak in 2021, Revolt brought in $20 million from just five drops. With its roster of famous clients and buzz around limited-edition merch, Revolt seemed poised for long-term dominance.
However, its success hid troubling practices by founder Ryan Piasente.
Where Did The Money Go? Lavish Spending And Mismanagement
Despite Revolt’s profits, creators began sharing stories of late and missing payments. Investigations found Ryan Piasente was bleeding cash on extravagant spending. Just some examples – six private jet trips in one month, $25k per week on an LA mansion rental and a $20k Ferrari rental.
While such spending could be written off if self-funded, sources revealed Piasente was improperly using Revolt’s accounts. This apparent misuse of company funds was the first sign things were amiss.
Allegations Of A Ponzi-Style Scheme
According to insiders, Piasente funded massive payouts to creators by spending proceeds from new drops, before those profits could be realized. When sales underperformed, debts piled up.
Employees described this practice as a “Ponzi scheme”. The model only worked if each drop outearned the last. When growth stalled in late 2021, Revolt struggled to pay creators.
Accusations Of Deceiving Top Creators Like MrBeast
The most damaging accusations relate to Revolt’s dealings with top creators like MrBeast. For MrBeast’s 100M drop, Revolt projected absurd profits, likely to secure a lucrative deal. When actual sales lagged, Revolt allegedly doctored invoices to charge MrBeast above production costs.
This allowed Revolt to partially recoup losses, while creators bore extra costs. MrBeast’s team and others reportedly experienced similar practices.
Buyers Left Empty Handed Amid Unpaid Vendors
Revolt’s financial woes also impacted customers. With over 100k support tickets for unshipped/incorrect orders, it seems the company lacked the infrastructure to meet demand.
As debts mounted, Revolt even failed to pay storage for merch. This resulted in items being donated or resold just to clear inventory.
Despite taking buyers’ money, Revolt left many without the products they already purchased.
Disturbing Allegations Beyond Scam
While the business practices generate serious legal and ethical questions, even more troubling accusations have emerged around Ryan Piasente’s conduct.
Multiple alleged victims have come forward sharing accounts of s*xual assault in showers, soliciting explicit photos from fans and minors, drugging people at parties and other disturbing pr*datory behaviors.
If true, these actions represent gross abuses of power and trust within the community. Piasente denies all allegations.
Why The Creator World Is Demanding Change
The cascading stories around Revolt and Ryan Piasente have rocked the creator sphere. For an industry built on relationships between fans and influencers, the betrayal of trust and lack of accountability cuts deep.
From upending people’s financial security to destroying their sense of safety, the impacts are profound. MrBeast and other major voices have cut ties with Revolt and distanced themselves from Piasente.
While the facts around specific cases vary, one truth remains clear – abuse, fraud and exploitation have no place in this community. There is a united call for justice, both through legal channels and internet vigilance. Only by confronting dark behaviors can trust be rebuilt.
The path forward won’t be easy, but a brighter future begins with shedding light on injustice. If stories like Revolt teach us anything, it’s that integrity and compassion are the true measures of success.
This complex saga continues unfolding, but the core message rings clear – abuse of any form must end. By supporting victims and constructive dialogue, better days lie ahead.