{~Group Name~} Dark Side: How "{~Name~}" Stands By a Rapist Over a Survivor Warning: Sensitive Content Related to Sexual Assault and Retaliation --- After months of silence and countless sleepless nights, I feel compelled to share my story. This isn’t just for me, but for everyone who has ever felt unheard, unsupported, and betrayed by those they trusted. I had been part of a close-knit group called {~Group Name~}, founded by {~Name~}, for over six years. It was more than just a group; it was a second family. But the events of the past several months have shattered that trust in ways I never imagined. For background purposes, {~Name~}/{~Group Name~} is a fan-based organization dedicated to bringing the iconic {~Series~} character, {~Name~}, to life through a full-scale replica truck. Founded by {~Name~}, an ordinary father inspired to demonstrate to his son that dreams are achievable with hard work, the project received legal approval from {~Company~}, the trademark owner. The organization emphasizes anti-bullying initiatives, visiting schools to encourage students to stand up against bullying. They also participate in public, private, and corporate events across the USA and Canada, aiming to inspire and engage communities with a positive message. They have amassed a small, close knit friend group of other replica vehicles from the franchise. I am one of the owners of a replica vehicle that was a part of the group. I had been a member since 2018, was heavily involved, and was close friends with all the other members. Which makes what unfairly happened to me so devastating. Several months ago, I was sexually assaulted by a person I had looked up to for years—a core member of {~Group Name~} and someone I considered a mentor and friend. When the assault happened, I was devastated, lost, and struggling to process what had happened. After gathering the courage to file a report and address my own health, I was advised by several professionals that the group, given our work with families, needed to know as soon as possible. So, I confided in someone I thought would understand. I approached one of the family members behind {~Name~}, the leader of {~Group Name~}. As a fellow woman, I felt she’d grasp the gravity of the situation and quietly handle it within the group for my safety and peace of mind. All I asked was for the group to help ensure that the perpetrator wouldn’t be present in group settings—an entirely reasonable and standard request to protect me and others. I didn’t want chaos or public drama; I simply wanted a safe space. But instead of support, I was met with neutrality and a series of offensive questions that undermined my experience. The head of "{~Group Name~}" (known as {~Name~}), told me they wouldn’t distance themselves from him or limit his presence within the group, essentially leaving me to fend for myself. It was beyond heartbreaking. When they refused to take action, I was again adviced to, and frankly felt forced, to approach the rest of the group, hoping someone would understand and help ensure my safety. While many in the group stood up for me, some did not. Things only went from bad to worse. Another senior member within the group betrayed me by informing the perpetrator that I had come forward, putting my safety in jeopardy. This betrayal led to terrifying consequences: I was advised by the detective on my case to leave the area immediately due to concerns for my safety. I had to pack my belongings and relocate overnight, losing not just my home but my sense of stability and independence. Weeks later, after moving out of state, I learned from my apartment complex that the perpetrator had been showing up around my unit. Had I not left when I did, I could have faced real harm. I then discovered that "{~Name~}" and others had been communicating with the perpetrator right after I reported the assault. These messages, seized by a warrant, revealed discussions about me that were hostile and frightening. Seeing how these people—people I had trusted for years—could turn on me so quickly and dismiss my safety was devastating beyond words. As if this weren’t enough, {~Group Name~} then took actions to ostracize me further. Key members of the group unfollowed me on social media while still following the perpetrator, undermining any claim of “neutrality” they had once promised. A family member of {~Name~} even posted a public jab directed at me on social media. Their actions spoke volumes. They weren’t “neutral”; they had chosen a side, and it wasn’t mine. The final blow came when {~Name~} went so far as to contact events I had been scheduled to attend and insisted that I be removed. After everything I’d been through, they not only refused to support me but actively sought to exclude me from the group and its events. I had put years into this group, supporting them, traveling on my own dime for charity events, and being there whenever they needed help. Yet they chose to punish me for coming forward, while still allowing my perpetrator to be a part of their community. Throughout this time, I tried everything I could to handle the situation civilly. I wanted nothing more than a private resolution, a genuine apology, and assurance that steps would be taken to prevent this from happening to anyone else. But my attempts were met with continued silence, more hurtful actions, and a complete lack of accountability. I'm normally very forgiving when it comes to my friends, but nothing can forgive this. What makes this all the more troubling is that {~Group Name~} is heavily involved in community events that include children and families. Knowing that they continue to support someone with a criminal history, while refusing to take basic safety measures, like background checks being required for all members, is terrifying. Their actions aren’t just hurtful to me—they’re irresponsible and potentially dangerous to the community they represent. Any organization that prides itself on being family-friendly and safe for children should never turn a blind eye to these issues. The legal case was ultimately closed, despite significant evidence. Sexual assault cases are notoriously difficult to prosecute, and despite the clear evidence my legal team had, we couldn’t overcome the legal obstacles. The justice system failed me, and so did the people I once considered family. I am devastated. I never wanted to come forward publicly or create any tension within the group. I just wanted to feel safe, supported, and allowed to heal. But {~Group Name~}, led by {~Name~}, chose to turn their backs on me. They chose to protect a perpetrator of sexual assault over ensuring my safety, and they actively punished me for speaking out. I was abandoned by the people I trusted the most, people I would have done anything for, and this betrayal has left me shattered. I’ve reached out multiple times, asking for them to reconsider their stance and understand the harm they’re causing. I’ve tried to resolve this amicably, but the continued silence, lack of accountability, and dangerous actions against me have left me no choice but to make this public. I hope sharing my story will bring awareness and, hopefully, accountability. {~Name~}continues to represent itself as family-friendly while supporting someone with a dangerous past, and the public deserves to know. I may not have received justice in the courtroom, but I won’t stay silent anymore. If this story resonates with you, please stand with me. No one should go through what I’ve endured, and organizations should be held accountable for prioritizing perpetrators over victims. This has been an incredibly traumatic journey, but I believe in the power of speaking out. Thank you to those who have supported me through this nightmare, and to those who see the need for change.