Timcast IRL · November 10, 2020 · 2h 0m
Timcast IRL #162 - Former VICE Editor-In-Chief In Studio With BREAKING News
Episode Recap
In this Timcast IRL episode, Tim Pool and co-host Ian Crossland discuss receiving legal threats from the law firm Steptoe, which represents Elliot Broidy. The conversation centers on emails accusing Timcast of working with Qatari-sponsored hackers and using stolen documents. Tim reads portions of the threatening correspondence, which demands the channel cease reporting on Broidy and threatens to contact YouTube to remove content. The discussion explores how powerful interests attempt to silence investigative journalism through intimidation tactics. The co-hosts compare these tactics to Epstein-style blackmail operations where compromising information is used to control individuals. Tim addresses the accusations directly, stating they have nothing to do with hackers and that he didn't even read the threatening emails. The episode touches on themes of foreign influence in American media and politics, with references to compromised individuals across government, Hollywood, and media industries.
TL;DR
- →Tim Pool receives threatening legal emails from Steptoe law firm representing Elliot Broidy, accusing Timcast of working with Qatari-sponsored hackers
- →The legal letter demands Timcast cease reporting on Broidy and threatens to contact YouTube to remove content
- →Tim reads the accusatory emails that claim the channel received stolen and potentially doctored materials
- →Co-hosts discuss how powerful interests use legal intimidation and accusations of espionage to silence journalists
- →Discussion parallels these tactics to Epstein-style blackmail operations used to control powerful individuals
- →The conversation explores themes of foreign influence and compromised individuals across US institutions
Key Moments
- 0:00Opening and Legal ThreatsTim introduces the episode and begins discussing threatening emails received from Steptoe law firm
- 30:00Reading the AccusationsTim reads portions of the legal letter accusing Timcast of working with Qatari-backed hackers
- 60:00Addressing the ClaimsTim directly addresses the accusations, stating they are untrue and that he didn't even read the emails
- 90:00Media Intimidation TacticsDiscussion of how powerful interests use legal threats and espionage accusations to silence reporting
- 120:00Foreign Influence DiscussionAnalysis of compromised individuals in US institutions and foreign influence operations
Notable Quotes
“They thought they could reason with you, but obviously you didn't. I don't have anything to do with the editorial work of Scanner.”
— Tim Pool · addressing accusations
“As a result, we have reasons to suspect you are in direct contact and receiving stolen and potentially doctored materials from individuals directly involved with the Qatari-sponsored hackers.”
— Tim Pool · reading the accusation letter
“They think they're trying to get you to kill the story.”
— Ian Crossland · analyzing the legal threats
“I'll give the story more money if you try and do that.”
— Tim Pool · defiant response to intimidation
“It's very scary and it's something people need to start talking about and figuring out amongst themselves. If there's anything we can unite over, it's like foreign influence should not be anywhere near us in this regard.”
— Ian Crossland · concluding thoughts on foreign influence