Alexa Nikolas, an advocate for Hollywood abuse survivors, reported being targeted by an anonymous website containing false allegations against her. The site, which Nikolas described as containing "false" information, appeared to impact her personal life and advocacy efforts.
Nikolas's experience was subsequently linked to a pattern of similar incidents targeting accusers and individuals involved in legal disputes.
Allegations of Coordinated Smear Campaigns
Nikolas's experience was not isolated. Kate Whiteman, an accuser in the sex trafficking trial involving Oren and Alon Alexander, had also been targeted by websites containing character-assassinating claims. These sites were described as difficult to remove.
Court documents have allegedly connected the origins of these websites to crisis publicist Melissa Nathan and digital fixer Jed Wallace. Nathan and Wallace have been previously involved in legal disputes.
Legal Proceedings and Accusations
Stephanie Jones, a former publicist for Justin Baldoni, has filed a lawsuit against Nathan, Wallace, Baldoni, and his production company, Wayfarer. Jones's legal team asserted that an investigation into a website targeting her revealed "a growing list of attack websites from the same band of conspirators."
The suit alleges Nathan, Wallace, and others engaged in creating "highly offensive and negative online content" to damage individuals' reputations. These sites allegedly made unsubstantiated claims such as extortion, embezzlement, prostitution, and human trafficking against targets.
A digital forensics consultant hired by Jones's lawyers detailed commonalities among hosting providers, page formats, link structures, SEO systems, referring domains, and IP ranges across these websites, suggesting connections to Wallace. Nathan's firm's communication strategy, revealed through discovery in Blake Lively's court proceedings, included working with a "digital team" headed by Wallace for online management and reputation combat.
In her litigation, Alexa Nikolas has sued Bryan Freedman, Nathan's attorney, and Nathan for defamation. Nikolas contends that Freedman was "an integral part of a team working to control narratives" and protect individuals, and that her actions against him led to her being targeted by a "PR machine."
Tony Buzbee, Nikolas's attorney, stated that these alleged actions represent "a disgusting example of how far those who represent powerful individuals accused of assault will go to silence those who hold them accountable."
Nathan and Wallace, through Freedman, have denied involvement in creating the websites. Freedman maintains there is no technical or factual basis linking his clients to the sites and attributes the claims to "speculation."
Specific Cases Implicated
Several high-profile legal and entertainment industry disputes have been linked to this alleged smear network:
- Rebel Wilson and Amanda Ghost: Text exchanges presented in court between Nathan and an employee allegedly discuss creating a "really really harsh" site targeting producer Amanda Ghost on behalf of actress-director Rebel Wilson. Wilson has denied orchestrating the campaign. Ghost has sued Wilson, Nathan, and others for defamation over multiple sites that she claims falsely portrayed her in illegal activities.
- Min Hee-jin and Hybe: A website targeting K-pop executive Min Hee-jin, formerly of a Hybe subsidiary, was connected to the network. Hee-jin stated she met with a lawyer to uncover the activities of Nathan's firm.
- Christian Lanng: The former CEO of fintech firm Tradeshift sued Freedman for defamation and extortion, alleging the creation of "deepfake stories" and sham websites to leverage a settlement in a dispute.
- Paige Jimenez: An Instagram influencer and OnlyFans model, Jimenez reported that Freedman contacted her and later sent her a link to a website containing false claims about her, including personal details from a domestic violence restraining order.
- Tamara Rubin: An advocate for lead poisoning awareness, Rubin discovered a website targeting her, which she believes negatively impacted her business and personal life.
Characteristics of the Smear Websites
The websites, which went offline after the Jones litigation linked them, were described as having an "unpolished, even primitive" design. Their tone was characterized as "over-the-top," aiming to appear as if wronged individuals were speaking out.
The content often combined factual assertions (e.g., professional setbacks, legal documents) with "outlandish, unsubstantiated conspiracies and defamatory accusations." This method of mixing true and false claims is a recognized disinformation tactic.
Industry professionals in legal and public relations circles indicate that while some online tactics have become normalized, the "weaponizing of smear sites as professional practice" is considered beyond acceptable bounds and is "exceptionally rare" to be exposed in court filings.
Key Figures Involved
- Melissa Nathan: A Britain-born crisis PR maven who launched The Agency Group (TAG), representing clients like Johnny Depp, Drake, and Hybe America.
- Jed Wallace: Described by his lawyer as operating a "crisis mitigation firm" that assists clients in "navigating real-life human crisis."
- Bryan Freedman: A prominent Hollywood lawyer known for a "combative style," representing various high-profile individuals.
Impact on Individuals
The individuals targeted by these sites have reported significant negative consequences, including financial hardship, personal distress, and a reduction in professional activities.
Jimenez reported having to relocate due to personal information being exposed.
An anonymous site about Freedman himself was created in April 2024, with its assertions limited to public record. Freedman did not provide a comment regarding its origin or actions taken.