Colin Moriarty claims PAX misled his fans by canceling his PlayStation panel
The Rubin Report/PAXFormer IGN and Kinda Funny host Colin Moriarty claims his panel at PAX West was suddenly canceled with no explanation from the organizers as to why.
Moriarty said he received an email from PAX on July 30 telling him that his Sacred Symbols podcast panel had been removed from the event – but didn’t specify why. A screengrab of the email titled “Panel Schedule change” was posted on Moriarty’s Twitter account.
“PAX West rescinded Sacred Symbols’ panel today. So if you were planning to go… sorry. I asked why, and am waiting on a response.” he said before showing the email.
“Apologies, but we unfortunately have to remove your panel from the PAX West 2019 schedule. We apologize for any confusion and are happy to still issue special guest badges to you and the folks you had designated as speakers, so you will still have access to the show on all four days,” the email said.
PAX West rescinded Sacred Symbols’ panel today. So if you were planning to go… sorry.
I asked why, and am waiting on a response. pic.twitter.com/DXPVKUmVcZ
— Colin Moriarty (@notaxation) July 30, 2019
The Sacred Symbols host replied to the email asking why the panel had been removed and voiced concerns that people had already bought passes to the event to see him and co-star Chris Ray Gun.
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“I must admit, I’m saddened by this, not only because I think it’s pretty obvious ‘what happened,’ but also because I was actually looking forward to doing our show there,” Colin stated in a follow-up tweet. ““It was dumb to think we’d get a fair shake, and obviously, I won’t be trying to do this again. I’m sorry. >
I must admit, I'm saddened by this, not only because I think it's pretty obvious "what happened," but also because I was actually looking forward to doing our show there.
It was dumb to think we'd get a fair shake, and obviously, I won't be trying to do this again. I'm sorry. >
— Colin Moriarty (@notaxation) July 30, 2019
In an update, Colin said he sent a second email asking again why the panel was canceled after he was told explicitly to tell his audience about it and even had access to the PAX’s panel backend to refine the name, description, and more.
“Update: I sent a second e-mail, because frankly, there are urgent questions that need to be answered, particularly on behalf of my audience. Before I write a full letter to you guys letting you know what’s up, I need PAX to answer. So, I’m standing by. >
Moriarty also asked how he could be reimbursed for lost travel-related expenses and how his supporters could get their passes refunded. Yet again, PAX did not reply.
Update: I sent a second e-mail, because frankly, there are urgent questions that need to be answered, particularly on behalf of my audience.
Before I write a full letter to you guys letting you know what's up, I need PAX to answer.
So, I'm standing by.
— Colin Moriarty (@notaxation) July 30, 2019
On July 31, Moriarty sent PAX a third email and stated: “I’ve been advised that, under the legal standard of ‘Promissory Estoppel’ your organization is indeed responsible for offering an avenue for refunds for those you misled, and — as Chris and I were also misled parties — we will need the capital we invested into this panel back, as well. But the most important thing right now is making sure those affected in my audience are taken care of if they don’t want to go anymore.”
He also questioned the company’s moral ethics: “Do you care at all about your customers, or are they just money trees that you shake? I guess we’re about to find out.”
So, @PAX and @Reed_POP still haven't answered.
We still don't know why Sacred Symbols' panel was cancelled weeks after being accepted, nor do we have any resolution on how those who were misled can be refunded.
I e-mailed them again and very much intend to keep the pressure on. pic.twitter.com/QKCJbSMRdh
— Colin Moriarty (@notaxation) July 31, 2019
Dexerto asked Moriarty for further comment regarding potential legal action, and he replied stating that he is just trying to look out for his fans who paid money to see him at the event who now won’t be able to due to PAX’s unexplained pulling of the panel:
“I’ve been counseled that there is a legal remedy for people who were misled after a promise was essentially made, and actions were taken on that promise. (The term is in the e-mail.)
I’m not interested in suing anyone; certainly not on our own behalf. But it’s a major goal of mine to pursue an avenue that any fans of ours adversely affected by their decision can get a refund. And I plan on pursuing that as far as I need to.
What they did is unfair to my fans, many of whom can’t afford “mistakes” like this to happen. Thousands of people support my company each month on Patreon; the least I can do is have their back when someone is trying to essentially steal their cash.”
Moriarty was well-known for his work at IGN before he left to start Kinda Funny Games alongside Greg Miller, Nick Scarpino, and Tim Gettys. After a controversial exit, he then started a Patreon, launched a YouTube show called Colin’s Last Stand, and became a co-host on the Sacred Symbols Podcast.
Dexerto has reached out to PAX for comment, but is yet to receive a response.
With contributions by Dexerto Senior Writer Meg Bethany Koepp.