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Gamers Nexus has initiated a class-action lawsuit against Honey, asserting that the app has deceived content creators, audiences, and vendors. The firm is determined to challenge the company amid these claims of misconduct.
In a notable segment of a video detailing the lawsuit, Gamers Nexus founder Steve Burke specifically criticized Linus Sebastian, the prominent figure behind Linus Tech Tips, for his public reaction to accusations levied against Honey by a creator named MegaLag.
MegaLag originally brought attention to the issues surrounding Honey, suggesting that Linus had prior knowledge of the allegations and should have been more transparent about his awareness. In response, Linus argued that others were already reporting on the matter and claimed he was unaware that it negatively impacted consumers as alleged by MegaLag and his supporters.
Burke strongly condemned Linus’s reaction, labeling it “unbelievably disrespectful” and voicing dissatisfaction over how he handled the serious situation.
Gamers Nexus confronts Linus Tech Tips
In a video that outlines the reasons behind their lawsuit against Honey, Burke included remarks aimed at Linus, stating that Linus’s comments directly contradicted the principles and beliefs upheld by Gamers Nexus.
He showcased a snippet from Linus’s commentary in which Linus remarked that discussing Honey publicly would be met with significant backlash. Burke rebutted this by stating, “Well, that’s the video we’re making right now. If that would result in backlash, then so be it. We feel compelled to address matters that are damaging to smaller creators and companies.”
Burke emphasized the importance of supporting those adversely affected, expressing that such issues should be openly discussed regardless of the implications for larger entities in the industry.
Previous criticisms by Gamers Nexus
This instance is not unprecedented for Gamers Nexus, which has previously scrutinized Linus Tech Tips. An earlier investigative piece regarding Linus’s business practices played a significant role in prompting Linus Media Group to conduct thorough internal reviews and implement sweeping reforms within the organization.
Linus stated that many of these changes stemmed from his decision to step down as CEO, with Terren Tong taking the helm in May 2023 to enhance company operations and improve workplace conditions.
Although Linus Tech Tips briefly paused production following the criticisms from Gamers Nexus, some of the transformations were already in progress prior to the video’s release.
Moreover, the context surrounding Linus’s comments about Honey seen in the Gamers Nexus video represents only part of a broader discussion, as further clarification was provided during the WAN Show episode from which the clip was taken.
Linus Tech Tips’ perspective
During the January 3, 2025, WAN Show, Linus candidly admitted to mishandling an earlier segment on the topic. He expressed regret over not being more forthcoming about his concerns regarding Honey’s alleged hijacking of affiliate links, and acknowledged that producing a video could have potentially benefitted fellow creators.
However, he justified not making a video, noting that the majority of creators had ceased their collaborations with the app around that time, and questioned whether his video would have made a significant difference.
Linus explained that had he denounced Honey at that time, it could have caused backlash against him rather than providing support to the community. He highlighted the potential risks of alienating the audience who relied on Honey for discounts.
As the discussions between both creators unfold, it is evident that their approaches to the situation diverge significantly, creating a rift between their communities. While Linus acknowledges his mistakes, the sentiment shared by Burke and Gamers Nexus focuses on accountability to the consumer and support for smaller entities affected by the app’s practices.
Source
www.dexerto.com