In recent months, women content creators have bravely stepped forward to talk about their experiences with stalking and harassment online. Women includingAmouranth, Nico, Pokimane, and Sweet Anita have all talked publicly about these frightening experiences.YouTubestreamer Valkyrae is another example of a successful woman content creator dealing with unacceptable treatment from viewers. In a recent interview, Valkyrae detailed one incredibly frightening experience involving a stalker.
In a recent interview withYouTuberAnthony Padilla, Valkyrae described a situation in which a stalker went to extremes to try and track her down. The stalker flew from a different state into California and visited 100 Thieves' offices in Culver City, expecting Valkyrae to warmly welcome him as if she was expecting him. Valkyrae made clear that the two had never met, had never even spoken to each other before. The situation was entirely out of her control or influence.
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The stalker visiting the 100 Thieves office was just the first event in a continuing nightmare for Valkyrae, however. While the stalker was rebuffed in Culver City, they then returned to the Los Angeles International Airport. They spent several days at LAX creating videos in which they repeatedly claimed Valkyrae invited them to come and that they wouldn’t leave until she met him. Their idea was that they’d go toCoachellatogether, or something similar. Despite police involvement, there was little else to be done.
While Valkyrae doesn’t fully detail how the situation ended, she made clear that the event was very obviously dangerous and frightening. She explains that what happened helped her realize that, as a streamer, “anyone can watch you and build some sort of parasocial mindset with any streamer or content creator.” In other words, anyYouTube viewercan create their own fiction around a content creator, which can lead to dangerous behavior.
Valkyrae is able to talk about the situation now with a smile on her face, but the reality of the situation is starkly true and incredibly serious. This can happen to any content creator and there’s very little that can be done to stop stalking behavior either online or in real life, at least until it’s taken to a dangerous level. This isn’t evenValkyrae’s first public confirmation of an issue with a stalker before.
Little else can be done save reminding viewers of YouTube, Twitch,Facebook, or even social media followers that content creation is entertainment. Streamers and video makers are relatable, but they are not personal connections. It’s important for more people to take these situations seriously, including platforms likeYouTube, before they become harassment and abuse.
