FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
06-June-2016

CULT OF THE DEAD COW Statement on Jacob Appelbaum / ioerror

Like much of the hacker community, we were troubled to hear the allegations 
of sexual abuse, manipulation, and bullying leveled against one of our 
members, Jacob Appelbaum, A.K.A. ioerror.  We’re also aware that the Tor 
Project is conducting an internal investigation, and encourage anyone with 
relevant testimony to come forward.  For some, it won’t be easy. There can be
shaming or humiliation, or the fear of not being believed.

It is also our responsibility to create an environment where people feel safe
to come forward.  We have always stood for freedom of speech and expression, 
which sometimes necessitates the right to anonymity.  This is something that 
victims of abuse often require.  We stand by their right to be anonymous. 
Others, like our friend Nick Farr, who decided to go public with his own 
difficulties, deserve our respect and support.  Everyone will do this in their
own way.

We know that it may be scary, but we also encourage victims to contact their 
appropriate local authorities. We understand the complicated relationship we 
all have with law enforcement, but there is a time and place for government 
intervention.  If the most extreme of these allegations are true, they should
be addressed in a court of law, and dealt with appropriately.

CULT OF THE DEAD COW is known for a lot of things, but treating people 
horribly is not one of them. If communities are to thrive and remain relevant
we have to do some housecleaning from time to time. As we have become aware of
the anonymous accusations of sexual assault, as well as the stories told by 
individuals we know and trust, we've decided to remove Jake from the herd 
effective immediately.

EOM