Anime Midwest, held in July 2025, faces backlash for merchandise sold at its official booth. Attendees criticize event owner Ryan Kopf for offering ribbons referencing past allegations against him, fueling outrage within the anime community.
Disturbing Product Highlights
Merchandise referencing sensitive topics has shocked attendees. Many commenters on forums express disbelief, condemning the decision to profit from such issues. One person wrote, > "Rape is funny to you? That’s so gross, either way you believe."
Community members flag this as tasteless and offensive, with many agreeing that it’s disrespectful.
Community Outcry
Feedback from the community is overwhelmingly negative:
Profiting from Pain: Critics label Kopf a grifter, suggesting he’s exploiting his past notoriety. As one commenter stated, "Even if he’s 100% innocent, it’s still idiotic of him to sell these ribbons."
Financial Accessibility: Some attendees noted the convention's affordable pricing appeals to those who may struggle to attend other cons. "It sucks because, as others said, it’s cheap for some people," remarked a commenter.
Ban and Fallout: The Anime Milwaukee ban on Kopf since 2020 remains largely unaddressed, raising questions about his future in the convention circuit.
Conditions for Staff: Frustrated past volunteers labeled Kopf's conventions "the worst" due to poor management. As one former attendee put it, "It was like an anime hoarder’s room exploded."
Perspective from the Past
Former attendees share intense experiences at Anime Midwest, from negative interactions to feeling neglected by staff. One individual expressed, > "Whether or not he’s guilty, the decision to sell these is tasteless."
Key Takeaways
📉 Expected decline in attendance could reach 60% under Kopf’s leadership.
🔴 Growing community backlash shows sentiment against exploiting sensitive topics remains strong.
※ "The court of public opinion is 100% based on accusation," highlights ongoing frustration.
As this unfolding controversy continues to mar the image of Anime Midwest, the future remains uncertain. If these grievances persist, Kopf might need to rethink his direction to restore community trust.