Posting Through It

050: How Will Stancil Became a Meme feat. Will Stancil

Nov 2, 2025
Will Stancil, a civil rights attorney and political candidate, shares his experiences with intense online harassment that turned him into an AI-generated meme by far-right extremists. He discusses the emotional toll of digital abuse and offers coping strategies for others facing similar challenges. The conversation also touches on his political awakening, the unpredictable nature of online attacks, and the disturbing fixation of neo-Nazi campaigns. Light-hearted moments include reflections on music, late-night snacks, and the importance of community in combating isolation and radicalization.
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INSIGHT

How A Person Becomes A Persistent Online Target

  • Will Stancil became a sustained target of the radical right with no clear singular cause.
  • The harassment morphed into a persistent mythos that removed his humanity and turned him into an avatar for opponents.
INSIGHT

Mainstream Amplification Of Extremist Content

  • Fringe creators can gain mainstream amplification when wealthy or influential figures share their work.
  • Platforms and outlets may avoid naming extremist creators, which normalizes harmful content.
ANECDOTE

The AI Cartoon That Escalated Harassment

  • A neo-Nazi, Emily Ucas, used AI tools (Sora) to create "The Will Stancil Show" portraying Will as a goofy target.
  • The AI cartoon includes graphic, sexualized violence and has been amplified by mainstream far-right figures.
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