Says “The Fan Base needs to Seriously Grow Up”
Richard Kuta, the man who put his Sonic fan film project on an indefinite hiatus this week, told TSSZ News exclusively that he and his family were victims of harassment ranging from sexually explicit phone calls to death threats, and that he has involved police in the matter.
“My reputation has been brutally shattered to where my career has no launching pad,” Kuta claims of the harassment.
Speaking only to TSSZ News, Kuta detailed some of the problems he has encountered in developing the project, and the end result of them–upon consultation of his team members, the Sonic fan film has been put on “indefinite” hold, and he will be closing down his design studio, RK Dezignz, after 10 years of operation. We had speculated in our previous article whether the film had hit another legal hurdle despite its newly formed fan appreciation status, but that does not appear to be the case.
Kuta explained how all of this came to fruition with the release of the fan film’s trailer on YouTube.
“Ever since I released the trailer to the public, I have been the victim of malicious attacks, blackmail, death threats, and crank calls,” Kuta said. “One individual felt compelled to sabotage my RK Dezignz, harass my friends/family, and bring in a coalition of trolls to stalk my every move.”
Among the elevated attacks, Kuta claims, were public posts of his address and phone number across the Internet. That led to a string of sometimes sexually explicit phone calls made to him and his family.
“It escalated to the point where it was endangering lives and taking its toll on my sanity,” Kuta explained. “I was mortified.”
Kuta cited to TSSZ News one such call his older sister fielded, which was filled with lewd comments. It was then that he involved authorities. After a few days of investigation, police identified the individual, whom we cannot reveal because of his 15 year old age.
“The idea of how someone that young can cause so much mental damage…it’s disgusting,” Kuta said.
Though disdain for Kuta reaches beyond the Sonic community, he appears to place most of the blame for these troubles on it.
“It’s ridiculous how much hate is circulated around a video game character and how people are willing to go through great lengths to destroy someone’s life since their perception of the project doesn’t agree with them,” Kuta said. “I may still hold an affinity for Sonic, but the fan base needs to seriously grow up.”
Even before the stakes were ratcheted up, he endured plenty of animosity. From vulgar comments on his work to faux accounts bearing his name, Kuta–despite his best efforts of appeal to fandom with the film project–was not held in well regard. He moved on, but the sudden involvement of police was enough for him to reconsider.
“With all the turmoil that erupted, I honestly hope these douchebags are satisfied with what they accomplished and now realize why Matt Sullivan quit his efforts,” Kuta said, referring to the same Matt Sullivan of Simpsons and Family Guy fame who announced last year he would try to revive the SatAM story of Sonic the Hedgehog into a new series. Sullivan had a pitch, but hasn’t been heard from since.
“I never encountered this type of conflict in my life and this really illustrates how much the fan base has degenerated over the last few years,” Kuta explained.
Perhaps most disturbing in all this is not the damage done to the Sonic fan film, but possibly to Kuta’s career aspirations as an artist.
“It’s really depressing that after 10 years of running a successful design firm, that I’m forced to shut it down due to the stubborn, selfish immaturity of the Sonic community,” Kuta said. “I’m 28 years old and it’s embarrassing how I had to go through this affliction just because I wanted to branch out from graphic design and engage in something endearing.”
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As much as the next guy who flames, I probably keep my thoughts by myself for this one ( I have done some flaming) because what that 15 yr old did is break the 1 to ridiculous scale of flaming comments. Q: Why would you comment something so insane that you might end up in jail? is it just me or is it just some people that are in the Sonic fanbase just losing their common sense?
I mean come on people the Sonic fanbase need to respect other people’s fan project s including Sonic team’s projects as well because we all love sonic and we shouldn’t flame on someones fan project about Sonic based on one of its cartoons.
This guy again….
Why is anyone even paying attention to him when he loves going through this pity party every year. Why is this even news Worthy…….. this is dramatic gossipy nonsense.
@ Kuta
Why do you keep on with all this drama and try to gain sympathy. You really do act like the little boy who cried “wolf” and given your age it’s pathetic.
Your not pathetic because you like Sonic or cartoons but because you act like a little eight year old crybaby, whose a drama queen. At 28 you should above shit like this. Yet here you are, a grown man blaming a fanbase (around the world) that is predominantly of kids without looking in the mirror to who is really causing your woes. So it’s you who needs to grow up and get a gripe on life and it’s repercussions for your own actions.
Jason Griffith and Ryan Drummond may have suffered hostility from fans but are they coming here to the community to cry about it? No. Are either of them saying how bad the Sonic fans are? No. Are they saying their lives are ruined because of the fans? No. In fact they both still talk to the Sonic fans and have even talked to each other (according to Jason Griffith). Both of them are around your age range and act nothing like you, they are professional adults.
I don’t know if your truly being harassed or not but your story does seems a bit far fetched and you also have been known to lie. But if your truly being harassed by Sonic fans, why are you still here communicating with us. isn’t that putting you more at risk at being someone else’s target, especially since your publicly announcing whats happening to you and giving satisfaction to the suspecting trolls.If you involved the police, wouldn’t they tell you to stay away from the community if it’s causing you and your family trouble. I know if this was happening to me I wouldn’t go back to the source that was “ruining my life”
One thing I noticed in all your dramatics in the public eye. They all seem to indicate a obsessive crave for attention and approval from the fanbase. You want to be appreciated for your efforts so bad, go do something that is a worthy cause, like world hunger or disabled children. The ones who are really going through real life threatening problems. People like that would most definitely appreciate your efforts because they need the help and the hope to go on. Instead of making a movie about Sonic that is not being appreciated like you want it to. Why don’t you act more like Sonic and help people who are real victims of the world.
@ edge:
Sorry about that. I overlooked it and see what you mean. Meant to say “Drummond vs. Griffith”. Thanks for the correction.
And, that’s ok.
@ Tired….
You have a point about him going back to the main source that caused the trouble. That’s what made me a bit skeptical about this whole thing in the first place. I also wouldn’t want to go back to what started problems for me in the first place if the harrassment thing was true.
@Setnaro X on October 29th, 2009 12.47 pm
“Being a fan of a kid’s show for a long time hardly makes it ironic for him to tell others to grow up because of their immature act. ”
I wasn’t saying he should grow up because he’s a fan. I said he should grow up because he can’t accept the fact that it’s over and continues, since 2000, to make the show live again.
“Sonmanic: apparently so, cause im the only one that doesnt have some type of mental disorder like autism which sadly most Sonic fans have”
And this guy wonder’s why he has a ED article???
Which is actually one of the funniest things I’ve ever read.
FYI to all:
If I see a link to AED anywhere in your post, the whole thing gets deleted, and you risk an IP ban. I’ve already killed a few, and I don’t want to do any more.
This is everyone’s only warning.
-T
Even though I imagine the “Sonic fans seriously need to grow up” quote was there to invite negative attention, I actually agree with it. VERY rarely can I go into a Sonic community without my opinion, gender, religion, political stance, or anything else be attacked.
I’m not into the whole, “Have arguments online to degrade other people and feel better about my “masculinity” or securities.” I just want to talk with other Sonic fans about the games.
When someone like Kuta, who isn’t perfect, stretches his neck out of the community and tries to make a difference, he attracts attention. Civil minded Sonic fans will either sit back and watch how Kuta’s project goes with a thumbs up or thumbs down. Extremist Sonic fans(or anti-fans even) will weasel their way into getting his business’s phone number and person number and harass them any way possible.
Hell, this may have not have been a Sonic fan that harassed Kuta. When I uploaded a few videos on Youtube, I got attacked like CRAZY just by random teens with nothing better to do.
Bottom line.. I feel sorry for Kuta. I was one of those Sonic fans that gave a thumbs down for awhile, but when I saw the trailer I switched it to a thumbs up. I wasn’t an avid fan of his work but it seemed pretty neat. Just sucks morons put a stop to it.
Oh, Jesus Christ.
Why the crap did Mr Kuta get so bullied in the first place? He made something people -liked-, so people tell him to stop making it? Yes, because that’s the obvious thing to do!
…That’s got to be the most stupid thing I’ve ever heard.
Hopefully some of you understand now why I don’t like the fanbase all too much.
@Sonmatic: Thank you for mentioning! I actually have Asperger’s Syndrome and I don’t see it as an insult because it at least explains a few things about me. But please be careful around others, especially other people in the autistic spectrum, because they will misinterpret and you will get a beat-down.
Well.
I used to call myself part of the Sonic fanbase, but that’s such a tarnished name now. Granted, some of you are kick-ass awesome and fun to chat with. Then there are others who make you just stop in your track and make you think “I don’t want to have anything to do with these people”. I’ve tried on many different website to join in the forums and things. but there are always, ALWAYS, a few douche-bags who make you just think “No, this is not a pleasant place to post”. Funny, I’ve only ever experienced it on Sonic boards. Not to say there aren’t idiots on other boards too, I’m sure there must be, I just only ever see them on Sonic boards.
Generally, I find that TSSZ is above that, so you guys can pat yourselves on the back. But some of the comments on this article are truly disturbing.
I wanna get my opinion straight at this point: I know next to nothing about this story, heck, I didn’t even know there was a film being made before I clicked this link, so I can’t really put forward any evidence based on fact. But I do maintain the following. Even if Kuta has made some mistakes in the past, this most definately does not warrant this kind of treatment. I’m sickened that some of you think he does deserve it.
I’m just a bit incredulous at the moment… Don’t know what to say.
Watch out for yourselves
Z
I agree with both of you, Umiyuri and Zink. I haven’t read many other comments about this article, but I have been following Kuta’s work for awhile. Like I said in my previous comment, I haven’t necessarily been -for- what Kuta was working towards, but I didn’t take an extremist approach and harass him for it either. Not until the trailer was released did I change my mind and begin following his goals positively instead of unbiasedly.
Very few people make a difference in this world, and even LESS make a positive difference. It just sucks that the Sonic community has gone so low as to disapprove of productive ways to express our fandom, especially through a specific Sonic series(SaTAM) that is treasured by many to be the best Sonic ‘franchise’ to date.
I’m tired of holding my mouth shut, so I’ll just go ahead and say Sonic Stadium and quite a few SaTAM websites have terrible communities. There are a few good apples, sure, but for the most part, these communities are horribly cynical and on-edge, normally attacking any newbies with loud opinions as good of a foundation as these opinions may hold.
TSSZ and RadioSega are the only Sonic communities I’ve come across with decent people for the most part. Even then, RadioSEGA isn’t even Sonic-specific! XD
Hope that rant helped someone out. I’m not saying steer clear of SS or SaTAM websites by any means, but I personally don’t feel the need to stretch my neck out to help or participate in those communities either.
………..Ok, I hate to break up this flood of pity comments, however lets look at this from another point of view.
- Richard Kuta is rather fond of lying, he has absolutely no problem lying through his teeth. So what makes you think that he isn’t just making all this stuff up? (Hell, you people aren’t even considering this possibility)
- The last time I checked, crank calls from 15 year old boys aren’t exactly life threatening. Annoying? Yes, however when you spread your phone number all over the internet, you shouldn’t be surprised when this kinda thing happens.
- As I’ve said before, this article is extremely bias in Kuta’s favor. This isn’t a news post, its a personal opinion post. So I’m really surprised that some of you people are taking this as the true and only word.
@Tristan – So no one can post links from ED, but they can make death threats against people who don’t blindly believe this article? (Malady on October 29th, 2009 9.37 am)
- And finally, please remember this, Kuta hasn’t stopped working on this movie. Give him 2 weeks, a month tops, and he will be back with new updates on it.
@Mysterious Guy Y: Nope, I officially called off production and my crew members respect my decision for it.
@AKR – Well then why is this call in still happening?
http://sonicmoviecall.wikispaces.com/
Yeah yeah, I know you aren’t in charge of this, but isn’t kinda strange to have a call in for a canceled movie? Is this just a supporter who hasn’t heard that you canceled the project?
Thought I’d weigh in. I didn’t give up on my Family guy job. I still work there. As for Sonic, it became clear that fans were tired of getting their hopes up for a new Sonic show. ( Although I never actually promised anything, I only mentioned my pitch and was interested to see what the fans thought )
I feel bad for Rich. He’s got some issues, but don’t we all? And hey, he actually MADE something. that alone deserves some admiration.
@Matt – Some respect for following through and making the trailer? Maybe*, however there’s nothing admirable about the way he’s acted since he started this project.
*(even though that was 90 percent animator, 10 percent w/e he did)
*Shrug* He’s gonna do what he’s gonna do. As many people have said before, perhaps it’s best SATAM stays dead.
@Mysterious Guy Y: I was never responsible nor organzing that event since it was put together by SonicTheHedgehog360 and I instructed him to cancel the call-in since the project is dead. Since you did point this out, Ill have to inform him that I am not interested in the project anymore. This is not some publicy stunt or a cry for attention. I sincerely have given up on this project and made my departure from the Sonic community. I moved on to something else that Im currently more ethused about. Its done and over with. What it is, I will not reveal to anyone since Im making a fresh new start for the upcoming decade providing a new service with a fellow business partner. So just to clarify, no, you will not hear anymore news about this film as you all assume. Its dead and burried.
Whoa! commentsRus!!!!!!!!!!!! Plus what that guy said, I agree, Sonic fan base: Grow up! Or you are just mental freaks and geeks! lol …. anyway Kutu is a Sega dude right, well thats cool!
yes… very cool! Unleashed cool! lol ^.^
right, Kuta i mean… btw this is one of the most bestest things i`ve ever read! TSSZ rules! btw I agree with Kuta okay… yep.
Haha, I was wondering when you’d show up, blueblur!
Honestly! You spoiled the overly serious tone of the comments thread!
Right. I reckon everyone’s said everything they possibly can on this. (Actually, I bet you’ll dig up something, Mysterious Guy Y!)
Good luck with your new endeavour, Richard.
I think we all learned something through this ordeal.
Play nice, みんあ！：）
Telling 12 year olds to grow up?
Also the video sucked. It is a shitty SatAM ripoff. Maybe they should try to make their own content.
I want to steer this conversation into a different direction. Most people seem to criticize me based on the crap that has happened in Sonic community, yet it perplexes me how nobody knows what I even do for a living or acknowledge my past contribution to the entertainment industry. It would actually give you guys more insight to look beyond what slanderous articles say and let the artwork speak for itself. I’m not talking about Sonic related artwork, I’m speaking of the my own original work. Flyer/Poster design for various musicians. Id like to invite you guys to get an in depth look at what I’ve accomplished in the last 10 years. Since art is subjective, Ill understand and respect your opinions. I have a love for obscure, lo-fi, avant garde art styles and I incorporate that into my work. I want everyone to realize that THIS is what I do for living and that I’m not some introverted Sonic fanboy as people play me out to be. Sonic was intended to be my way of branching away from graphic design and into film cause it’s a property that I sincerely cherish. Anyway, here’s an archive of my past work. Hopefully this will provide a better perspective of who I am as an Artist. Thank You.
http://www.rkdezignz.com/graphics.html
@ Kuta: I know you’re a graphic designer and that it’s what you do for a living. It’s your behavior concerning this project and/or overall attitude towards its acceptance that I and/or most people disagreeing with you don’t like.
Also, aside from the fan project thing the fact that your name has come up as having possibly claimed other artists’ work as your own is something that I don’t like about you, especially given that I’m an artist myself. I’m not only referring to the Rogferrez related incident to your original “pitch”, but also to things like that apparent report of you taking credit for a celebratory design of “2009″ by ColorCubic.
oh boy, that makes me lost my respect towards the Sonic fanbase community even more.
Lol, a 15 years old behind the harassments, that’s pretty seriously moronic
“The [Sonic] Fan Base needs to Seriously Grow Up”
It’s a great idea, but it’s not going to happen.
Damn, really, I was hoping for this movie. Well, here’s my response to the fanbase. Some of you guys are being complete idiots. Kuta was trying to create a movie that would use parts of the Sonic continuation (Comics, Cartoons, and Games) and you guys go and start flaming him because of Sonic games declining since 2005?! Seriously, some, if not all of you need to understand. The reason I’ve been sticking with Sonic all my life is not from the changes like the VA and stuff like that, the reason why is for the blue blur himself! If your not getting this through your thick skulls then you are being completely stubborn. Stick true to Sonic for who he is, not for what he has become all these years. Kuta, I’m sorry to movie won’t be worked on but don’t let that keep you down, leave the past behind and aim for the future.