AFTD: Open Hand Foundation Provides AFTD $600K for FTD Research
IGN: YouTuber The Completionist Responds to Allegations of ‘Charity Fraud’ Against Him and Open Hand
Karl Jobst: The Completionist’s Response is the Worst Thing Ever
TL;DR: Things look incredibly bad. The completionist has practically admitted to misleading donors, and it seems like he is expecting the IRS will get involved (IGN). It also seems he’s threatening legal action for slander (Jobst).
The allegation that the money was not donated seems to be true (up until the AFTD donation in November of 2023) (IGN, AFTD). The Completionist has admitted he “made statements potentially implying donations were made when they had not yet been” (IGN). Karl basically states that it isn’t a potential implication, but a direct claim that he made, and is additionally is alleging that the way The Completionist benefits from IndieLand constitutes charity fraud (Jobst).
A lot of people here are bending over backwards to justify the behavior.
They collected money for charity. Didn’t donate any of it for YEARS. Money that could have helped funding research.
I don’t know US law, but I know that’s just wrong.
My understanding is that in both California, where IndieLand occurs, and in the US, holding the money without directing it per the objectives of the non profit is fraud.
Jirard needed to lawyer and publicist up a month ago