More than
4,000 pop-culture enthusiasts have signed a petition to withdraw
American actor Adam Baldwin's invitation from the upcoming event
Supanova Pop Culture Expo.
The
campaign, fuelled by Albert Santos, is demanding that the fan
convention 'revoke' Baldwin as a 'supa-star guest' at the Sydney and
Perth exhibitions in June as well as 'further events'.
It
claims Baldwin was responsible for creating the hashtag 'GamerGate'
that led to 'numerous instances of harassment and abuse towards women'
in the past six months - claims that Baldwin says aren't true and
defamatory of him.
Baldwin
allegedly promoted the movement that 'claims to be acting for
'journalistic integrity' but targets women, people of colour and the
LGBTI+ community inside the gaming industry', the petition claims.
The petition claims Adam Baldwin was
responsible for creating the hashtag 'GamerGate' that led to 'numerous
instances of harassment and abuse towards women'
More than 5,000 pop-culture fans have signed a petition to 'revoke' US actor Adam Baldwin from Supanova
Best
known for his roles in sci-fi series Firefly and Serenity, the
petition claims that Baldwin posted on his Twitter linked to videos that
revealed private details of a number of female game developers to his
'several thousand followers'.
While
Santos concluded in the petition that Supanova has been an annual event
for most of his childhood, dating back to his first appearance in 2003.
'I
have always felt welcomed and loved by both the community, the variety
of guests invited, and the family-friendly atmosphere that is harboured
[sic],' Santos said in the petition.
'Knowing
that someone that has not only harassed and intimidated people, but has
led an entire online movement in doing so, will be there goes against
those sentiments entirely,' Santos claims.
People dressed in their favourite cartoon costumes attend the Supanova Pop Culture Expo in Sydney last year
Baldwin has officially responded to the petition, saying the claims are not true and defamatory of him
Baldwin has been listed as one of the 'supa-star guests' but fans are petitioning to stop him from attending
In response to the petition, Supanova has officially responded to the 'controversial issue' on their Facebook
In
response to the petition, Supanova's event director Daniel
Zachariou has officially responded to the 'controversial issue' with a
statement on the Facebook page on Thursday night.
'While
we wish Adam Baldwin's attendance in Supanova in Sydney and Perth this
June wasn't a controversial issue, it clearly is. We ask for your
patience and understanding while we deal with the developments,' the
statement said.
'Regardless
of what the ultimate outcome is please know that we 100% agree with
your right, as our fans, to have your say, to share your feelings, to
create or sign petitions in the positive or the negative, to protest or
support.
'It's your voice that's made us who we are.'
Fans have defended the American actor by setting up another petition 'Don't revoke' his invite to Supanova
The three-day event in which thousands
of fans dress up showcases the latest comic books, animation, cartoons,
science-fiction, and console gaming
Others
have defended the American actor by setting up another petition titled
under: 'Don't revoke Adam Baldwin's invite to the Supanova Pop Culture
Expo' - which has received 3,000 signatures.
With
Baldwin expected to attend the convention and hold Q&A sessions and
photo and signing opportunities, fans of the actor have flooded the
Supanova page as they stand by his invitation.
'I think quite a few things he has said have been grossly taken out of context...'
'Dont spoil it for those of us who desperately want to see him.'
'Who
cares we all have beliefs and what are we turning into an extended US
state where the opinions of right or left wing sensationalism is taken
for gods right!
Please he is an amazing actor in many ways and his views
are his own. I don't care.'
'If you don't like him, don't get his autograph and don't go to his panel.'
Cosplay, a craze that originated in
Tokyo's fashion districts, has spawned a global cult with youngsters
from Thailand to Brazil slipping into their favourite fantasy alter-egos
at mass conventions
Cosplayers pose for photos during the National Cosplay Championships as part of the Supanova Expo
It follows after 'pick-up' artist Julien Blanc was rejected from holding his seminars across Australia
The
controversial petition to ban Baldwin follows after 'pick-up' artist
Julien Blanc was due to hold one of his seminars in Australia but was
cancelled at the last minute.
Three
Australian venues and two American hotels rejected appearances by Blanc
after a social media campaign was brought to light, sparking outraged
activists across the globe.
'Dating
coach' Blanc who has been accused of using techniques such as choking
women and then hushing them, had planned to hold his seminars in Sydney,
Melbourne and Brisbane in November last year. But Blanc has denied the
allegations, saying it was meant to be a 'joke'.
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