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Youtube and social media star David Dobrik leaves his photo app and is dropped by many sponsors after being accused that his former Vlog Squad member Dominykas Zeglaitis raped a woman. A woman claimed that Zeglaitis, known as Durte Dom, sexually assaulted her in 2018 for Dobrik’s Youtube video.
In the latest development, Dobrik left his position as a board member of his photo app, Dispo, due to the sexual misconduct allegations. Venture-capital company Spark Capital dissociated from Dispo. Dispo was designed to allow users to take digital photos as if it was a disposable camera.
“In light of recent news about the Vlog Squad and David Dobrik, the cofounder of Dispo, we have made the decision to sever all ties with the company,” reported Spark Capital on Sunday via Twitter.
Due to growing public backlash, Dobrik has since been dropped by multiple sponsors, such as HelloFresh, General Mills, DoorDash, SeatGeek, and EA Sports. Dobrik and Durte Dom are temporarily blocked from making money off of ads on Youtube.
A woman came forward earlier this month accusing Dobrik’s Vlog Squad member Durte Dom of raping her for Dobrik’s Youtube video about group sex. The woman claims she was too intoxicated to consent. Since coming forward, two more women have claimed Durte Dom of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior.
Dobrik responded to the rape allegations claiming he no longer has a working relationship with Durte Dom. Dobrik emphasized that consent is super important and that he always is granted permission when shooting for his Youtube videos. He acknowledged that people can change their minds, in which case he will take the published video down.
The controversial video has since been taken down after accumulating over 5 million views on Instagram. The alleged victim said she and her friends were recruited to star in Dobrik’s video meant to highlight Durte Dom as a sex addict.
Dobrik released a public statement on Youtube regarding the rape allegations, explaining that his main purpose was to create happiness and to inspire people. He asserted that it won’t happen again.
“With people in my life that I don’t film with anymore – like Dom and the other people … – I chose to distance myself because I don’t align with some of the actions, and I don’t stand for any kind of misconduct,” said Dobrik in his Youtube statement.
Durte Dom has yet to respond to comment on the rape allegations. He continues to be inactive across all social media platforms.