When Copyright Is Weaponized: A Creator’s Warning About System Abuse

When Copyright Is Weaponized: A Creator’s Warning About System Abuse

In the age of content creation, copyright laws are meant to protect artists — not punish them. Unfortunately, some individuals have learned to manipulate the system to silence voices they don’t like. I know this firsthand, because I’ve been targeted by one.

Since 2021, I have endured relentless harassment from an individual named Danielle Robertson, known online as “Dani Robertson.” What began as online stalking has evolved into false copyright claims designed to remove my videos and threaten my livelihood as a creator. Most recently, she submitted another fraudulent takedown in an attempt to get my platform removed.

Let me be clear: my videos fall under fair use. They are not reposts or reuploads of someone else’s work. They contain transformative commentary, investigative reporting, and original analysis. Yet this individual has filed multiple takedowns, exploiting a system that rarely holds bad actors accountable.

The Pattern of Abuse

Danielle Robertson has a long history of using copyright claims and online platforms as weapons. She has previously had success in getting creators’ content removed through similar tactics — not because of legal merit, but because platforms like YouTube are often forced to act first and sort out the truth later.

Even worse, this same individual is currently involved in not one, but two federal civil cases related to the exact type of misconduct I’ve experienced:

🧾 Federal Civil Cases Against Danielle Robertson

1. Evans et al. v. Robertson et al.
   Case No. 24-13435 | U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
   This lawsuit alleges copyright abuse, online harassment, and manipulation of legal systems for personal retaliation.

2. Smith v. Robertson
   Case No. 2:24-cv-12213 | U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
   Also focused on patterns of online harassment, stalking, and defamation.

While platforms like YouTube require creators to navigate these challenges alone, I’ve taken several steps to protect my work and safeguard my presence as a content creator.

• All my videos are now backed up and secured via Microsoft OneDrive

• I’ve diversified platforms and begun uploading to Rumble, where takedown abuse is less common

• A lawyer is preparing a cease-and-desist on my behalf, as I continue to document each incident

• I’ve filed DMCA takedown requests on other platforms, such as Twitter/X, where my private images were still being shared

The Bigger Problem

Unfortunately, what I’m experiencing is not unique. The “loophole” that allows someone to submit fake copyright strikes with no penalty is a widespread issue on YouTube and other creator platforms. Unless legal action is taken or creators push back with force, bad actors will continue to exploit this system.

This isn’t about criticism or disagreement. This is about abuse of process, targeted harassment, and malicious misuse of legal tools meant to protect creators — not punish them.

To My Fellow Creators:

If you’re facing something similar, know this: you are not alone. Document everything. Back up your content. Consult a lawyer if you can. And most importantly — don’t give your harassers the satisfaction of a public fight. Let the law and the facts speak for you.

I’m sharing this not just for myself, but for anyone who has ever been silenced, bullied, or dragged through a system they never asked to be part of. And I won’t stop speaking up until this stops happening — not just to me, but to anyone.