Premium: The Attempted #MeTooing Of A BookTube Star
May 8, 2025
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The podcast dives into the allegations against BookTuber Daniel Greene, focusing on coercion and manipulation. It also tackles the drama at the Montreal Anarchist Book Fair, exploring themes of community and accountability. Listeners discover a debate on cultural appropriation surrounding tarot reading. The show highlights the journey of a self-published fantasy author navigating YouTube, and features an important conversation on gender identity, consent, and emotional manipulation. Legal threats in the digital space also raise critical questions about freedom of expression.
The Montreal Anarchist Book Fair faced turmoil over cultural appropriation disputes, leading to organizational strife and operational pauses.
Daniel Greene's journey from a successful BookTuber to facing serious misconduct allegations illustrates the fragile nature of online fame and accountability.
Deep dives
Conflict Over Cultural Appropriation
A significant point discussed revolves around the tensions that emerged within the Montreal Anarchist Book Fair collective regarding cultural appropriation, particularly related to the practice of reading tarot cards. The controversy stemmed from a dispute during the 2023 event when a Black applicant was denied the opportunity to sell tarot cards, as it was claimed this was a form of cultural appropriation linked to Romani traditions. However, this claim was misleading, as the origins of tarot are traced back to 15th-century Northern Italy, evolving only later into the divination practice associated with various cultures. The misunderstanding led to internal conflicts, emotional exhaustion, and the collective's decision to pause operations for remediation, illustrating how issues of cultural sensitivity can precipitate deeper organizational crises.
The Rise and Trials of a BookTuber
The episode also delves into the journey of Daniel Green, a prominent YouTuber in the fantasy and sci-fi genre, who has successfully transitioned from book reviews to a broader commentary on the industry. He has established a substantial following, with over half a million subscribers and a thriving Patreon community, illustrating his ability to leverage online platforms for self-publishing success. Green's evolution reflects the changing landscape of content creation, where traditional gatekeepers are increasingly sidelined, allowing new voices to flourish in the literature sphere. However, as he prepared for new projects, a personal scandal threatened to unravel his carefully cultivated brand, showcasing the precarious nature of digital fame in the current climate.
Accusations and Legal Controversy
The narrative takes a sharp turn with the introduction of Naomi King, who accused Green of manipulation and coercion, stirring significant controversy. Following an earlier, vague video discussing manipulation in relationships, King released a second video that explicitly named Green, claiming he had threatened her. This escalated to a legal dispute where Green's lawyers issued a cease and desist, demanding the removal of her allegations or face further action. The unfolding drama highlights the complexities of personal relationships in the public eye and raises questions about the intersections of social media dynamics, accusations of misconduct, and legal accountability.
This week on the Primo episode, Jesse and Katie discuss the story of Daniel Greene, a BookTuber who faced allegations of coercion, manipulation, and assault. Plus, drama at the Montreal Anarchist Book Fair.
