Hi everyone,
I’m here today with some less than great news about an issue that some of you may recall from the summer. I know this post is long, but it’s important and I highly suggest reading through it.
It has been brought to my attention that a problematic individual who was banned from Animethon has had his ban lifted and will now be attending A Taste of Animethon, in addition to hosting a panel.
Matthew Christopher Walcher, also known by his Tumblr URLcharismaticdegenerate, was asked to leave the Albertastuck community in the summer following a number of incidents. The post outlining some of his deeds can be found here. He is known to be aggressive and extremely manipulative.
We suggest that everyone is accompanied by at least one other person at any given time. Do not approach this man, do not go off with him, and if he is making you uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to grab an Athon staff member or a friendleader for backup- though do keep in mind that the friendleaders are not bodyguards or official security, and if a physical threat arises we will not be putting ourselves in harms’ way, but we will do our best to get staff and remove you from the situation.
The Homestucks usually find a spot to gather, and at wherever that gathering spot winds up being, there will always be a friendleader there to supervise. If you’re worried about walking around the con, I am more than willing to accompany anyone who feels uncomfortable. If you feel like you might require assistance, don’t hesitate to drop me an ask so I can give you my cell number. If I’m busy or you’d rather not hang with me for whatever reason, you can also contact Sam! This offer extends to anyone- you don’t have to be cosplaying or hanging out with the Homestucks. If you’re worried about this guy, we will help you.
For the sake of everyone attending ATOA, especially those individuals who have has negative experiences with Matt previously, the Edmontonstuck friendleaders and myself are working closely with Animethon staff to ensure that everyone has a safe con. However, there is a minimum to what we and the Athon staff can do without binding, legal evidence against Matt. That’s where you come in.
I know that some of you have had experiences with Matt that have involved security or even the police. If you have any sort of documentation of the incident, I ask that you contact either myself or the Edmontonstuck friendleaders. We’re looking for anything that has legal backup – a judicial order of protection, emergency protection order, a police report with statements – things along those lines. Essentially, we need more backup than word-of-mouth.
You can also help by reblogging this post and spreading the word. Awareness is going to be our best defense at this con, since we can in no way guarantee that we can prevent Matt from attending.
However, I need to implore that you should not be sending Matt hate. Neither Calgarystuck nor Edmontonstuck condone bullying in any form, and if we find out you have been sending hate, there will be severe consequences. This also extends to the con itself- do not approach him, harass him, call out to him, whatever. We understand that you might be upset or angry, but sending hate is immature and only creates more problems. If you’re upset about the situation, please talk to us instead.
Once again, if you have anything you think could help back us up, PLEASE contact myself or Edmontonstuck before Friday. Any questions, comments or concerns should also be directed towards us.Thank you for your cooperation, and I’ll see you all at Taste.
-Lauren