Doki Bird, a beloved indie English-language VTuber, has recently faced a significant setback. The VTuber, known for her engaging content and dedicated fanbase, has been the victim of a scam that has left her Lunar New Year merchandise stuck in limbo. This unfortunate turn of events highlights the challenges faced by indie creators when dealing with unscrupulous individuals within their management teams.
The Scam made by Doki Bird Former Director
Merch update: We’ve been getting a lot of emails about this and just wanted to make an official announcement. There has been an issue regarding distributing and my old director of my company. I’ve parted ways with the director as I found out they were taking advantage of me and…
— Doki 🏆 (@dokibird) September 3, 2024
According to a recent update from Doki Bird, the issue began when her former director allegedly held her Lunar New Year merchandise hostage. In a heartfelt message shared on Twitter, Doki Bird revealed that the director had not only exploited her trust but also threatened her staff. This situation led to the merchandise being withheld for over two months, disrupting the distribution process and causing significant delays.
Doki Bird disclosed that the ex-director’s actions were part of a larger pattern of misconduct, which included halting the work of her distributor and creating a host of operational issues. This forced Doki Bird to reconfigure her company, hire new legal and financial advisors, and use her own funds to address the problem and ensure that the affected orders are fulfilled.
Impact on Doki Bird and Her Fans
The scam has had a profound impact on Doki Bird, who expressed frustration and sadness over the situation. Despite her efforts to remain transparent with her fans, the delays and complications have understandably led to disappointment among her supporters.
The Lunar New Year merchandise, which had been eagerly anticipated by fans, has yet to be shipped, and the process of creating new products to replace the delayed ones is expected to take additional time.
Doki Bird’s commitment to resolving the issue and issuing refunds to those who request them underscores her dedication to her community. However, the experience has also served as a harsh lesson in the complexities of managing a business as an independent creator.
Community Reactions and Support
The VTuber community and fans have rallied around Doki Bird, expressing sympathy and support. On platforms like Reddit, viewers have commented on the recurring challenges faced by indie creators in managing merchandise and dealing with unreliable partners. Many have noted the unfortunate irony that someone trusted with such responsibilities could betray that trust in such a significant way.
Comments also reflect a broader concern about the difficulties indie creators face in maintaining their businesses and reputations amidst internal and external challenges. Doki Bird’s decision to take on the role of her own company’s director, along with hiring additional legal and financial help, is seen as a step towards greater control and stability.