We started this newsletter to make stupid jokes, provide a guiding light, and keep fans who haven’t been in the scene as deeply as they’d like in the loop. We’re nearing 500 editions now, and for the most part, it’s been really fun.

Part of our commitment to keeping you all up to date, though, is sometimes we have to tell you about unsettling stories too.

Broadcast talent Maniac has been accused by two separate people of sexual assault, which apparently took place after the conclusion of BLAST Premier Spring Final in June.

Freelance journalist Hannah Marie and interviewer and host Daisy Powers both gave accounts of Maniac groping and ‘chasing’ the women around the venue, both suggesting similar patterns of behaviour.

It should be noted that Maniac has disputed Hannah’s allegation and suggested his recount of events is entirely different, though Daisy (otherwise known as DAMP) completely disagrees with what Maniac said - and her fiancé, Jacky backs her up on this front.

BLAST and PGL have decided to stop working with Maniac following the accusations, with BLAST confirming that an investigation upheld the complaint.

Oh, and there’s more according to a report by Dust2.

We hate covering stories like this, not only because the subject matter is harrowing but also because we have to hold back punches, which is unlike us. However, at the same time, it wouldn’t be appropriate given the gravity of the situation.

We encourage you to draw your own conclusions from the testimonies and reports, or perhaps our TL;DR might suffice.

Now, let’s turn to other action from the week.