Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Mayanna Berrin @mayannaberrin.bsky.social · 20d

I have a good feeling about tonight. Room 46 is in reach. twitch.tv/storyquestshow

We are StoryQuest! Telling heartfelt cinematic TTRPG stories in bit sized packages! Tune in every 2 weeks to see the next installment of our first season, Supernova!

twitch.tv

1 3

Mayanna Berrin @mayannaberrin.bsky.social · Sep 9

We’re live with episode 9 of Supernova!! www.twitch.tv/storyquestshow

StoryQuestShow - Twitch

StoryQuest: Supernova Ep 9!

www.twitch.tv

1 1

Mayanna Berrin @mayannaberrin.bsky.social · Aug 15

We’re streaming blue prince over here www.twitch.tv/storyquestshow

StoryQuestShow - Twitch

We are StoryQuest! Telling heartfelt cinematic TTRPG stories in bit sized packages! Tune in every 2 weeks to see the next installment of our first season, Supernova!

www.twitch.tv

1

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

Gregory Ellwood @gregoryellwood.bsky.social · Aug 1

Jimmy Kimmel is a real one

33 510 3.5K

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

Multitude @multitude.productions · Aug 1

Mischa Stanton & @mayannaberrin.bsky.social both had a blast speaking at San Diego Comic Con last week! Don't miss the first episode of their new podcast, Simple and Clean, dropping THIS Sunday! Subscribe now on all your apps to hear it first.

1 5

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

Kelly Lynne D’Angelo ✨ @kellylynnedang.bsky.social · Jul 30

When all of this is said and done, and the affected victims return to the stage and start doing conventions again and aren't finally fucking scared for their lives anymore...

Ya'll better PACK those audiences and whoop and holler and give them all the support and praise they need 🤍 I know you will.

8 93

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

Kelly Lynne D’Angelo ✨ @kellylynnedang.bsky.social · Jul 29

There's no organized effort or call-to-action happening that I know of regarding what's occurred over the past few days. But I will say:

Every single person right now spreading the word helps. It helps her (& his) victims. It helps keep them accountable in the court of public opinion & liability.

4 19 140

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

Brian Gray 🪩🥂💖 @urbanbohemian.com · Jul 29

There's also a very clear pattern in these situations of who is believed with unwavering support and who isn't.

Of who gets to be difficult to work with because "they're so talented" (and have connections) versus who just gets labeled as "difficult" and never gets an opportunity again.

It sucks.

ThatBronzeGirl @thatbronzegirl.bsky.social · Jul 28

“If all this was happening why didn’t anybody say anything all this time”

Because it’s made clear to us that our invitation is conditional. And the second you are disagree, push back in any way or are “difficult” your invitation is rescinded.

You can apply the above to a myriad of situations.

15 120

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

Jody Houser ✒️🗯️🎲 @jodyhouser.bsky.social · Jul 30

As someone who's only ever been on the fringes of the TTRPG space at best, both Surena and Omar have been absolutely lovely the times I've gotten to chat with them. Surena's account of what they've been going through is absolutely gutting to hear.

Surena Marie 🍓 @surenamarie.bsky.social · Jul 29

It’s really hard to see “believe women” used as a cudgel when…I’m a woman too.

1 8 95

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

Scarlet Moth @scarletmoth.bsky.social · Jul 30

To add to this:
The way I've seen many people (mostly from Smosh fan circles) talk about the situation with Saige has focused on the cheating allegations.

Let me be clear: that is NOT what makes this situation so damning.

Focus on the real issues here, for crying out loud

Kelly sums it up well:

Kelly Lynne D’Angelo ✨ @kellylynnedang.bsky.social · Jul 30

When a white woman falsifies evidence and lies using the legal system to threaten, silence, and intimidate someone of color they have wronged, it's rather misogynistic to call it "petty high school BS."

It's not "high school." Its calculated, career-ending ABUSE.

It's also perjury. A felony.

1 22 130

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

Kelly Lynne D’Angelo ✨ @kellylynnedang.bsky.social · Jul 30

When a white woman falsifies evidence and lies using the legal system to threaten, silence, and intimidate someone of color they have wronged, it's rather misogynistic to call it "petty high school BS."

It's not "high school." Its calculated, career-ending ABUSE.

It's also perjury. A felony.

3 69 440

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

Ify Nwadiwe @ifycomedy.com · Jul 30

(TW: pedophilia, abuse, violence) This is the text that was sent around and looking at the publicly presented doc, only one of these claims are even being pursued. There hasn't been s single proceeding where he could've been proven guilty. So this text spread around back in April is a flat out lie.

Screenshot of text that reads: “know that Omar Najam was found guilty of stalking, revenge porn, and being a violent threat to Saige, completely uncontested. He now has a Domestic Violence
Restraining order against him for the next 3 years, and detectives are bringing criminal charges against him after a 19 year old boy he groomed and conspired with has come forward. This is something we've been dealing with secretly for almost a year now on consult from detectives and a lawyer and it's been a living hell.
Stay safe.”

18 42 690

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

Vince Caso @vincecaso.com · Jul 30

Saige Ryan, a 🧵

After having done what I can to support Saige’s victims privately for the many months that this awful situation has gone on, and seeing now how it’s so publicly come to a head when those involved deserved only peace, I want to be clear: I believe Surena, Omar, and B Dave

5 85 550

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

James J. Haeck @jamesjhaeck.bsky.social · Jul 28

I'm very much at the periphery of this, but let it be said loudly that I believe Kelly, I believe @dailydael.bsky.social, and I believe Omar in this. I have a story about Saige...

Kelly Lynne D’Angelo ✨ @kellylynnedang.bsky.social · Jul 28

That Saturday I was at Comic Con. That night, the rumor spread to me. But I check my sources.

What Saige deliberately did to B. Dave’s and *countless others* (mostly POC) careers is IRREPARABLE.

And the fact Carlos is in on it too? Holding their victims back from being cast in Dropout?

Evil.

B. Dave Walters - Yes, it is I! @bdavewalters.bsky.social · Jul 28

Alright, here's what Saige did to me.
If you're a PoC you are not safe around her.

The last THREE YEARS have been heartbreaking and soul-crushing, and I'm SO glad to finally be able to speak out publicly.

I'm still at SDCC, so I may add more later: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rcfsd...

1 14 140

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

Kelly Lynne D’Angelo ✨ @kellylynnedang.bsky.social · Jul 28

That Saturday I was at Comic Con. That night, the rumor spread to me. But I check my sources.

What Saige deliberately did to B. Dave’s and *countless others* (mostly POC) careers is IRREPARABLE.

And the fact Carlos is in on it too? Holding their victims back from being cast in Dropout?

Evil.

B. Dave Walters - Yes, it is I! @bdavewalters.bsky.social · Jul 28

Alright, here's what Saige did to me.
If you're a PoC you are not safe around her.

The last THREE YEARS have been heartbreaking and soul-crushing, and I'm SO glad to finally be able to speak out publicly.

I'm still at SDCC, so I may add more later: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rcfsd...

1 43 280

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

ThatBronzeGirl @thatbronzegirl.bsky.social · Jul 28

I can’t speak on behalf of DesiQuest but I can speak on behalf of myself because I’m still mad about it:
Bringing up the name of my production multiple times in a video meant to mislead people about a legal situation involving one of our cast members but not reaching out to anyone from our team/

6 36 510

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

Josh Simons @joshuamsimons.com · Jul 29

I've said this a few times in recent months to friends:

I cannot recommend getting out of online-only, "influencer" spaces enough. Go outside, volunteer somewhere local, or hang out with friends.

Humans aren't wired for the constant barrage of information that is social media.

4 41 190

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

Surena Marie 🍓 @surenamarie.bsky.social · Jul 29

It’s really hard to see “believe women” used as a cudgel when…I’m a woman too.

15 37 650

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

ThatBronzeGirl @thatbronzegirl.bsky.social · Jul 28

“If all this was happening why didn’t anybody say anything all this time”

Because it’s made clear to us that our invitation is conditional. And the second you are disagree, push back in any way or are “difficult” your invitation is rescinded.

You can apply the above to a myriad of situations.

4 50 470

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

Spookyfire👻 @saucefire.bsky.social · Jul 28

B. Dave has always handled things with honesty and compassion. It's worth reflecting on how easily some were willing to spread very serious accusations without due diligence, often for proximity. Going forward, I hope folks choose kindness, accountability, and repair.

B. Dave Walters - Yes, it is I! @bdavewalters.bsky.social · Jul 28

Alright, here's what Saige did to me.
If you're a PoC you are not safe around her.

The last THREE YEARS have been heartbreaking and soul-crushing, and I'm SO glad to finally be able to speak out publicly.

I'm still at SDCC, so I may add more later: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rcfsd...

2 19

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

Diana DiMicco @dianadimicco.bsky.social · Jul 28

Dave doesn't lie. Point blank.

B. Dave Walters - Yes, it is I! @bdavewalters.bsky.social · Jul 28

Alright, here's what Saige did to me.
If you're a PoC you are not safe around her.

The last THREE YEARS have been heartbreaking and soul-crushing, and I'm SO glad to finally be able to speak out publicly.

I'm still at SDCC, so I may add more later: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/rcfsd...

2 7 74

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

Mia Resella @miaresella.bsky.social · Jul 28

I saw Omar multiple times that day. Other parts of the day I was at my office (which is nearby) and Omar was dog sitting Maple a couple of blocks down the street so it was an easy day for us to go back and forth. He was also preparing to drive north to visit his mom for her bday the next day (below)

Text bubbles Thursday, July 10 at 10:55pm
Omar: home safe and sound!
Me: yay, good job!!
Me: how was the drive?
Omar: I did run over a tire so I had to pull over and check my car haha
Omar: but ultimately it was fine
Me: oh no! Okay I’m glad it was ultimately fine
Me: are you exhausted?
Omar: a bit tired
Omar: Surena fielded my two hours of being like “this rocket ship is falling apaaaaaart”
Omar: but it was okay haha
Me: Hahaha
Me: you mean when you hit the tire?
Omar: yeah after

1 4 77

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

Mia Resella @miaresella.bsky.social · Jul 28

For good measure, here are some texts we exchanged from the day that Omar supposedly got “arrested” (July 9th). I was working back and forth from my office and home, so as his roommate if we are both home I won’t generally text him or anything. But as you can see it was a normal day.

Text bubbles drive Wednesday July 9 at 3:29 PM:
Omar: your food has landed! Putting it in the fridge
Me: thank you!!
Wed, July 9 at 7:55pm
Omar: DND is falling through so I’ll call Surena real quick and then prob bring Maple over
Omar: for the rehearsal
Me: oh ok I was about to swing by work for a bit cause I need to get the switch!
Omar: sounds good whenever you head back I’ll bring maple
Omar: we’re lazing on the balcony
Me: nice
Me: Do you guys wanna come to the office too?

Text bubbles:
Picture of Maple, a small cavapoo dog, laying splayed out on an apartment balcony
Omar: Maple and I are at the house
Me: ok we are headed back!
Omar: cool we’re watching Gidget

2 6 88

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

Dael Kingsmill @dailydael.bsky.social · Jul 26

I can't decide if I am more furious… or disgusted… or just really disappointed and disillusioned by some of the people in my industry.

6 31 460

Reposted by Mayanna Berrin

Mia Resella @miaresella.bsky.social · Jul 28

I posted this on Insta a couple days ago! I think the misinformation has been largely cleared up (the creator who “reported” it took the video down with an apology, other involved parties have provided info, and there seems to be a healthy convo about how to read legal documents), but just in case!

There is currently an online rumor going around that one of my best and closest friends, Omar, was arrested. I can tell you…. this simply is not true.

I am his roommate and can account for his whereabouts on most days. On the day in question he has multiple receipts and alibis and, most importantly, I SAW HIM AND KNOW THAT HE WAS NOT ARRESTED. His ex partner is posting things in such a way to make it seem like he is a dangerous criminal, and it’s not the first time she has publicly distributed misleading information.

I’ve known Omar for almost 20 years. Omar is ace and does charity work for the LGBTQ community. I have known him to be a kind person who is socially conscious and aims for representation in the characters he creates. For the last year he has aimed not to take profits from the online D&D games he plays and instead donates his wages to things like Trans Lifeline.

He isn’t even prominently in the TTRPG world anymore other than this, yet he has stayed in the space in a small handful of select games only for the sake of his friends who he made commitments to, and for the fact that he can then donate. Some of the reasons he took a step back from the space in this last year is because of a new job and new relationship. But another big reason was because of the toxic relationship he endured, the sadness and fear he felt about his ex, and the fact that she is a figure in this space.

In one of the videos spreading this rumor, some comments call for Omar to drop out…

…of the panels he is on for an upcoming convention, Gen Con. I’d like to set the record straight that weeks ago, I personally advised him to drop out of those panels and not attend the con because I knew his ex would be there and I had a bad feeling that she was ramping up some sort of attack on him. Omar excused himself from those panels on my advice, long before these posts happened. He also had to make venue security aware when he went to do a public show, for fear that she would try something. If you see any news that he is no longer on the panels, please know that it is not because of any punitive action.

Lastly I’ll add that I’m very disturbed and saddened by this turn of events. I wish everyone involved much healing, but for anyone who might be involved in this: please don’t drag my friend down in the process without any evidence or research. Luckily I think that his reputation speaks for itself with how willing his partner, friends, and community are willing to speak to him. In the future everyone will have their day in court and that is where I believe the truth will come out ❤️

1 44 290