Overview
- OutSports published screenshots appearing to show Powers calling the series and its creators “trash,” “losers,” and “cowards,” with references to “blue haired twitter.”
- In a 17–18 minute video, Powers said the messages were sent more than a week before he watched the show or posted a review, framing them as a hyperbolic “writer take” to another podcaster.
- He displayed the texts and shared a screenshot of outreach from OutSports’ Cyd Zeigler, even as he criticized the outlet’s process and said he responds only through “proper channels.”
- The controversy follows a surge in Empty Netters’ audience and sales tied to their glowing episode recaps, with YouTube views around 500,000 and merchandise priced up to $45.
- Zeigler told Pride he stands by his reporting as he faces online blowback, while many fans question the podcast’s authenticity despite Powers’ assertion that his appreciation grew over time.