YouTubers Share Defy Media Horror Stories After Shutdown

YouTube creators share their experiences with the recently shut down company Defy Media.

Defy Media had control over multiple popular YouTube channels including Smosh (Smosh/Smosh Games), Clevver, Awe Me, The Warp Zone, and more.

Amid the recent shutdown, popular YouTubers are sharing their experiences with Defy Media.

1. Anthony Padilla

Anthony Padilla is the co-founder of Smosh and Smosh Games along with Ian Hecox. He left Smosh in June of 2017, and after the news of Defy Media closing down got out, he finally revealed that his real reason for leaving Smosh was, in fact, Defy Media.

2. Ava Gordy

Ava Gordy was previously a host for Sourcefed, a popular YouTube channel created and later sold by Philip DeFranco. Sourcefed was soon shut down by Group Nine Media. After losing this job, Ava began working for Clevver which has also recently shut down due to Defy Media no longer being in business. Ava shares her negative experiences as a creator in digital media.

3. Ryland Adams

Ryland Adams, who formerly worked with Clevver (and is Shane Dawson’s boyfriend), revealed that he was forced to be a part of Defy’s Multi Channel Network.

I never made a “Why I Left Clevver” video because I was being threatened by Defy’s lawyers on a daily basis. Instead of taking them to court and being stuck in limbo for what could have been years I accepted to join their MCN which is why they were in a position to get a %

— Ryland Adams (@Ryland_Adams) November 8, 2018

I was forced to become a part of @defymedia’s MCN, meaning the Youtube money I work hard for filters through them. After they take a % of MY ads I then get paid MY money. This month I was NEVER paid. A bank took Defy’s money which so happens to be mine that I may never see again https://t.co/wchQKDzH1m

— Ryland Adams (@Ryland_Adams) November 8, 2018

4. Shane Dawson
Shane shared his views on Defy Media in a Twitter rant which he later took down in fear of possible backlash from the company.

deleted my tweet because i don’t trust any of those people and i don’t know what they are capable of. but don’t worry, i’m gonna fight for my friends and boyfriend who we’re screwed over last week with all my heart. 👊🏻❤️

— Shane Dawson (@shanedawson) November 12, 2018

While never partnered with Defy, Shane knows people who were (including boyfriend Ryland Adams). Here are the tweets that have since been deleted:

Imagine being a youtube network that steals all their creators hard earned money and then files for bankruptcy and uses the creators money to pay their debt. can’t relate.

— Shane Dawson (@shanedawson) November 8, 2018

also, imagine being a youtube network/ company that threatens to sue their employees when they politely ask to leave because they feel uncomfortable in the workplace. 🤔 https://t.co/JjPXMBRlSw

— Shane Dawson (@shanedawson) November 8, 2018

Hopefully, these popular YouTube channels will be able to continue prospering in the aftermath of the shutdown.