Former Weekend Buzz co-host Robert Brink has been spending the past year and a half digging into some of the darkest parts of skateboarding.
His focus has been on giving people a place to speak about physical and sexual abuse that they say has gone ignored for far too long.
It started off low, just talking with a few victims, then more people came forward and spilled everything.
One of the first cases Brink spoke about involved sponsored skateboarder Cody Davis and allegations of sexual harassment by skateboarding figure Jamie Thomas during a podium incident.
After that, Brink said he was not planning to stop. He said he would continue helping victims speak openly and share what they experienced, even when it made people uncomfortable.
That work has now come with serious consequences.
Brink recently shared that he has received threats that he cannot ignore, especially because they involve the safety of his family.
According to him, this is the first time the threats and harassment have reached this level.
Based on the timing, he believes it is connected to a YouTuber announcing plans to release a video about him.
Brink also addressed online speculation and stated clearly that Tim Pool is not involved and has nothing to do with the threats.
In a post to his followers, Brink explained why he needs to step back briefly while making it clear that the work itself is not stopping. Below is what he shared:
Hello Friends,
Unfortunately, as a result of the work I've been doing speaking out against abuse in skateboarding and giving victims a platform to tell their stories, I've received threats to me and my family's safety that I need to take seriously.
After a year and a half, this is the first time I'm experiencing threats and harassment of this magnitude, and based on timing, I believe it is linked to a YouTuber announcing a video he intends to make about me.
For my own sanity and safety, I am being advised to go dark for a bit. But nothing stops. There are projects I'm still working on and plenty of stories to tell. I will never be silent about what I know and never quit helping victims tell their stories.
My deepest gratitude to anyone supporting the victims I am working with. I am saddened to see that skateboarding has gotten to this point.
Back soon,
Brink
While Brink plans to stay out of the public eye for a short time, one thing stands out from his message.
He has no intention of backing away from the people who trusted him with their experiences.
For many following this situation, the threats only underline how difficult and risky it can be to speak openly about abuse, especially when powerful names and long standing reputations are involved.
For now, supporters and critics are waiting to see what comes next, while Brink focuses on keeping himself and his family safe.
