AnnieFuchsia · @anniefuchsia
23rd Jun 2020 from TwitLonger
My experience with Co-CEO of Method, Sascha.
Before I start, I want to mention that I used to be in the Method org for 1-2 years back in 2015-2017, incase there were people who didn't know.
I was mistreated by Method management, but being a person who suffers chronic anxiety, it's something I never wanted to come forward with. Even now, I'm terrified of what people will think of me.
I know a lot of people are coming forward with their stories of sexual assault and I am not trying to take away from that, I just wanted to share my experience with predatory behavior in the gaming industry.
BACKGROUND:
I spent a month in the US between Twitchcon and Blizzcon 2017. I wanted a cheaper and less straining option than flying back and forth multiple times, so I accepted the offer to stay with Method co-owner Sascha in an airbnb between the two events. I also invited one of my Swedish friends that I trust. I had specified I'm not interested in parties, or going out, I literally just want to sleep, eat and stream. They both expressed they're fine with it.
When we were staying there, I felt pressured to go out almost daily. I was told by Sascha that I'm missing out on life, and that it's pointless to be in Los Angeles if you're not going out. He also ridiculed me for not visiting the beach for 2 weeks. I told him that I have no interest in IRL activities, and reminded him that I even specified this before the trip as expectations like that triggers my social anxiety. He said he thought I was exaggerating, as gamers do that apparently to seem cool and nerdy. I said I wasn't exaggerating at all, I don't want to go out.
One of the nights, we had this Twitter dm conversation: https://imgur.com/a/YQ2HDqa
At some point, he decides it's a good idea to come into my room and do some "real talk". As I was panicking I barely remember what was talked about, but I have vague memories of him talking about how he's reached an age where he now wants to find a girl and settle. I was hiding in bed in my blanket the whole time.
The rest of the trip felt awkward and uncomfortable and I tried my best to avoid alone situations. For the last couple days, we had more Method members join us, and Sascha gave up his room for them. He didn't want to sleep downstairs in the living room where my friend was since the AC was bad there, so he placed an airbed in my room. I was too scared to say no, I didn't want to be awkward, I wanted to be strong and confident. I remember staying up most of the night, but nothing happened ofc, which also made me feel like I'm stupid for being like this.
LEAVING METHOD TEAM:
Fast-forward from November to May 2017 and we were discussing contract renewals.
I sent an e-mail to Sco, other co-founder of Method, and for the first time decided to mention how I felt about the Sascha situation. I specified to not share what I said with anyone who's mentioned in the email, but that didn't last and I felt betrayed. I know Sco had good intentions but it did hurt that he thought it's okay for him to make the decision to talk to Sascha for me.
Some snippets of the convo: https://imgur.com/a/ETQ5SJ2
What made matters worse was that there was no further questions to me about it, or any type of update from Sco. Sascha tried to reach out to me instead, which was causing me panic. I didn't want to confront him, I didn't ask for this. I just wanted to forget about the past and not be forced to feel uncomfortable. I regret that I even mentioned it to Sco at all. In the end Sascha gave up trying to have a call, and instead wrote to me: https://imgur.com/a/H70zej7
He is quoting what I said, so it's clear he was sent my e-mail rather than a subtle paraphrase from Sco.
So now he was threatening legal action against me. Legal action was terrifying, heck I remember still asking Sascha how to write an invoice during that US trip (he didn't help btw). I had zero experience in anything.
I was also now a huge disappointment to everyone in Method. I remember Darrie also ignoring me for some time, even though I had specified in my mail to Sco that I actually loved her part in Method. I was unfollowed everywhere, and even kicked from the Method public discord. I had never felt more alone.
This was my leaving Method tweet: https://twitter.com/anniefuchsia/status/865349068666568705
No well wishes from the team. Community Manager Darrie was the only person who responded, and this was her message: https://i.imgur.com/JUv41Av.png
In hindsight, I'm so glad I was not financially dependent on Method, or I may have made some stupid decisions. I'm glad I had a stream community to fall back on and I am forever grateful for that. <2