Its a sad day, but one that was destined to come – not because of what I’ve done, but because Neal Campbell has been defaming me for nearly a year and there are no signs that he’s ever going to let up. What makes the story more sad is that Neal is someone I used to consider a friend.
What happened? Neal’s wife, Cali Lewis, decided to leave him. And when she did, my wife and I eventually took her side. And as far as Neal is concerned, that is reason to “rebuke you in the name of Jesus”. Yep. He did that to at least three or four people I know of as soon as they questioned what he was telling them about the whole mess.
It Didn’t Have To Be This Way
Neal and Cali had problems. Lots of people do. And sometimes marriages fail. Actually over half of marriages end in divorce according to Jennifer Baker. (Here’s the report: Half of Marriages End in Divorce).
Cali had a number of what I would consider to be extremely valid reasons for leaving (ie- I’d bet $1M you’d leave too…), and after she did Neal immediately acknowledged his faults to a number of people including myself, but then later began withdrawing his admissions and shifting blame.
Had Neal continued to accept his responsibility and taken steps to change, as far as I can tell, he would have still ended up divorced – but he would have been able to maintain some sort of a relationship with Cali, he would have been able to continue to work with her (likely on GeekBrief.TV) and the core group of people around the two of them would have continued to support him and be there for him.
But within 2-3 weeks he completely changed his position and decided that none of it was his fault, and everything was mine.
Let the Beatings Begin
As far as I can tell when Neal decides you are no longer useful – you become the enemy. At the beginning we conversed via chat and email. I told him that I would help both him and Cali. And he admitted that he was to blame. But while we chatted he also wanted to use me to convince Cali to come back to him. Or meet with him somewhere. When I refused to try and intercede on his behalf, he turned against me.
Neal Calls Me Satanic - Sep 4, 2010 at ~1:45 am
Over the coming weeks, and then months, Neal acted with conviction and malice to try and convince anyone who would listen to him that Cali had “abandoned God”, and that I was the primary cause of it. He called me evil, satanic, and a number of other things – and his insults were always sharpest in the early morning.
Why Would He Do That?
I don’t know. I can understand that going through a separation or divorce would be a very emotional time. I can even understand being angry and blaming people. But it is not rational to lash out publicly, and often, especially when the people whom you have decided to attack know all of your terrible secrets.
And why would a person take this sort of attack onto the Internet and do it in front of thousands of people on Twitter and Facebook? Was it some sort of a pre-emptive attack designed to undermine the integrity of the people who could share the full truth of the situation to the world?
Personally I would have thought that silence would be the best course of action, as opposed to starting a war. But I’m not Neal. And I guess in the middle of all this mess Neal forgot that I’m not the kind of person who would ever tolerate his attacks.
But Why Did You Sue Him?
- Neal defamed me repeatedly for nearly a year both privately and to an audience of literally thousands of people on Twitter and Facebook. Although I have refrained from responding out of respect for Cali I will no longer ignore the attacks. I am further convinced that Neal will never stop unless forced to.
- We may live in a free society, but individual free speech has limits. I’d be fine with Neal telling the world that he hates me, or calling me names; but when one person maliciously spreads lies in order to damage another’s reputation someone has to put an end to it.
- Lets face it, the fact that I didn’t fight back is viewed by some people as taking the high road, but by others a long and sustained silence is tanamount to an admission of guilt. My silence has come to an end.
He’s No Saint
If you head over to Neal’s blog, or his Twitter account, or Facebook page virtually all you will see is talk of religion. He would have you believe he is the most faithful, God-fearing, community oriented Christian you’ve ever met – though I dare you to disagree with him about anything (literally, anything). And then see what happens.
If you go back and read his posts you will also see him repeatedly claiming that what he wants is to have Cali back, to go to marriage counseling, to save her from me, etc. Yet exactly one week after their divorce was finalized he told Cali that he is engaged and getting married again and would like her blessing! This can only mean that all of his public grief was merely an act designed to maximize sympathy for his position while he was obviously perfectly happy with whomever is now his fiance.
Well, Neal is an amazing actor but I’ve compiled an absolute moutain of evidence that demonstrates his sustained, malicious and attacking behavior which has been going on the entire time he professes to be pursuing his Christian ideals. And on top of that, I’ve got witnesses who are more than happy to share their personal stories of betrayal. Hopefully some of them will even chime in here…
In this instance, my attorneys assure me that we have an open and shut case of libel per se. And I’m looking forward to finally getting the full story on record in a court of law.
Ok, But Why Break the Silence and Post This Now?
Neal’s whereabouts are literally unknown. As far as we know, he moved in with whomever he is planning on marrying and has been living with her for a while. But no one knows where that is, so I don’t have an address to have him served at.
Since I promised Neal long ago that if he ever angered me enough to do something about it I would let him know in no uncertain terms, I thought it only fair to make sure he is aware that he has actually been sued so that he can answer the suit rather than skipping our court date and just having a summary judgement issued against him.
I thought he was gay and Cali found out. He looks gay to me.
Interesting read and I’m so happy I live in the UK as we don’t seem to deal with things in this manner, in the UK we tend to feel that silence is often an admittance of guilt so it doesn’t look great for Neal.
I just hope Cali and John keep doing great shows.
Wow! I had no idea! While getting ready – getting excited, really – to attend my 13th CES, I looked around the web for posts/blogs, etc. about the show. I’m so glad I found you guys! I love watching you and Cali interact, interview, and inform. I am now a big fan and watch you both on GeekBeatTV as well as follow you on social media. If I weren’t sane and faithfully married, I’d probably be arrested for stalking Cali. ;) I hope one day I’ll get to meet you guys. I got a brief glance at Cali at CES but that was on your stage while the lights and cameras were obviously on – I was on my way to grab a cup of badly needed overpriced coffee. I’m sorry you had to endure all that drama, John. Keep up the great work with the show!
This is fascinating stuff. What’s the latest?
indeed, was just thinking the same thing.
Wondering if Neal stepped up. I am guessing he didn’t.
How old is Neal how old are you John? I understand why you sued him, but it all sounds like two kids in Kindergarden. Maybe it’s cause he is to young to understand thats it’s better to look first what he did and than what other did.
I don’t know anyone involved in this at all, I’m just surprised Cali would ever have been attracted to anyone who is capable of rebuking someone in the name of God. Seriously? You can smell that kind of nutjob a mile away. Neal sounds like a kook and Cali apparently isn’t as smart and reasonable as I had assumed. The only person who should ever consider marrying an over the top religious crackpot is another over the top religious crackpot.
Wow, that was a roller-coaster. This would make for a great soap opera….
Rooting for you John!
Everyone should STOP the public therapy. This is like reality TV. Take the high road and don’t respond. Don’t let this technology be your Achilles Heel in the end. Some things are not for public discourse. This is one of them.
I know nothing of the situation nor do I really care. But, I now think you’re small.
I’ve done what you stated, in a private form and I communicated to you via an email. You know where I “stand” and lets just leave it at that. I wish you the best, I wish Cali the best and I wish Neal the best. And hopefully, everyone will get there some day.
John,
This is my point. You don’t have the facts at all. I DID reach out to Cali. Two of us, who were reaching out to Neal were reaching out to her and as usual, we got the “I’m fine response.” And she didn’t open up. Cali and I have a different relationship; I respect the hell out of her and think she’s the God of podcasting. I would even call her a friend because I know I would do anything for her whenever she asked; and I did ask – but she never wanted to confide in me. Neal did. I, too, have “evidence” where I did reach out to Cali several times, wanted her to know I was talking to Neal, being a friend to Neal and to ensure to her that was okay; she said she was fine with it. She never opened up to me so I’m sorry, but I never “picked a side,” and I’ll say this again: why can’t Cali say all this to me? Why is she having you have to do it? Something’s not right about it.
And if Cali was truly “speaking to you about me on multiple occasions” I am pretty sure she knows how to get a hold of me; how to call me; how to email me; I am pretty sure I sent her a very heart felt email telling her I would always be willing to listen but she immediately closed me out of the “Cali Lewis group” the minute I was there to be a friend to Neal. I don’t blame her for that; but lets be clear, those who really know me (and there aren’t plenty) know I have always had Cali’s best interest as well as Neal’s. Yes, you can have both of their interests.
I’m just one who doesn’t stop being friends with someone when they’re at their ugliest. No, it’s not because of Jesus and my “stupid relationship with God”. I am not a religious person. It’s being a FRIEND. Neal was a thorn and a pain in my ass on several occasions; several times I told him what a jerk he was being to Cali or how publicly putting his pain out there was not the correct response (ask the people who REALLY know the situation). But Neal was also there for me when I chose to leave the person I loved more than life. It’s a completely different situation and I would never compare it; but my point is friends going through tons of disagreements yet they also are there to support you and get you through your worst moments and that’s where I’ve stood by Neal Campbell. Doesn’t mean I have ever said I know 100% of the story John. If you want to think I’m bad or on the wrong side, so be it.
And I will be the first to admit, I may not know the entire story. But I am willing to bet my life, these other commenters don’t know the ENTIRE story either and that’s where we continue to point out all the crap that “people” (and I never said you, once) have done to Neal. This has gone both ways, for too long. BOTH have lost a lot; BOTH have looked like total schmucks on behalf of their “friends” and BOTH need to deal with this privately.
That’s all I am trying to say. John, I’ve said it once and I will say it again: I truly wish you the best. I have nothing personally against you nor do I dislike you. You may think I’m on the “enemy’s” side or think I’ve done Cali wrong, but let Cali talk for herself. That’s all we who care about both of them are trying to say.
And again, if you feel you need to sue, then it’s your right – I just don’t see how this ultimately is helping your friend.
Jeff
Jeff,
This is the last I’ll say in a public forum. Feel free to reach out to me privately any time.
All I’m advising of you is to step back and make a determination of what facts you actually have, and get rid of the assumptions. If you can do that you’ll find you have a lot of unanswered questions – as you have all along, just like the general public.
Getting questions answered requires trust. And you can’t earn that with an email…
Cheers,
John P.
There’s this Luxury car commercial that has a great line expressing American consumerism and companies’ lack of commitment. “If your marriage isn’t working, just get a new one” You say you’ve taken the higher road but in the end you’re stooping to that same low level. Both of your dignified demeanors are just as sickening as Neal’s holy war. And to sue?? It’s seems to be the first word a child learns in the south. Grow up. All three of you.
I had 14 paragraphs of what I wanted to say, and unlike 90% of you who write “anonymously” which is so cowardly, I am going to just say what I believe MY truth is. John, Cali isn’t perfect and Neal isn’t either. Two people ruin a relationship. I know this first hand, because I broke up with my partner from a 4 year relationship and sure, I could have all my 20 best friends crucify him online about what a pathetic cheating pig he is but why do that? I am so much better than that. And even more so, my FRIENDS are better than that. They aren’t out to get my ex. They support and love me and I would be humiliated if a friend did this like you’re doing to Neal. Sorry, just being honest with you. This doesn’t make any of you look like the better person – because those of us who know Neal (and know all of his screw ups, his rants and his paranoia) know that he is in such a better and different place now that I don’t understand your need to publicize this except for stirring the pot and getting revenge. You’re not hurt, you hate Neal. It’s obvious.
I don’t turn on people during hard times. I tell them the truth, things they may want to hear and things they don’t want to hear. And I will say this: I don’t know you well, didn’t really have a good first impression of you when my partner and I were at Neal and Cali’s (just 3 weeks before she left him while they ran errands and they seemed happy to me) and maybe I misread you, but it was pretty clear you to my ex and I, you wanted nothing to do with us. That said, this is Cali’s fight, if she chooses it. Not yours. You’re an adult. Did Neal say hateful things? Sure. Was he filled with hurt and pain? Absolutely. Was he wrong? Sure. Is he the only one at fault? Absolutely not. I think Cali and Neal’s real friends know all the Twitter accounts that were made to mock Neal calling him a faggot and a pedophile and using information that only a select few would know was pretty low as it gets and I think we all know it wasn’t Neal doing it. We know it was people who chose sides which, again, is so 4th grade. This isn’t elementary school and if you want to sue him, so be it. You’re wasting your potential John. I have no ill will towards you, but making this public makes me realize that you’re not in it because you are really hurt about Neal. You view Neal as your #1 enemy and you want him destroyed. Otherwise, you’d forgive him and move on or you’d do this in an absolute different way – this is nothing but just a public flogging of Neal Campbell.
I am not here on behalf of Neal, so don’t even think that either. He has not a clue I am writing this. If I make Cali mad, you mad and everyone else mad, then that’s the risk I will take for speaking MY truth. But I will leave you with this: if you really are the person you say you are, the person who has nothing but great intentions for everyone, then I don’t see how ONE MAN can destroy your reputation. And that’s just the truth.
God, may 2011 bring wisdom to everyone and just live on our lives and MOVE ON!!!!!!!!
Jeff,
I appreciate your opinions and the fact that you have been forthright and honest about your feelings. I’m not mad at you for this, and in fact I don’t have any emotional investment in your comments at all.
For the record, you read me wrong when we met at that party. I think you’re a nice guy and I thought the same about your ex. I’m not the party mingling type so maybe you detected my discomfort and thought it was directed at you. It wasn’t.
Unfortunately Jeff, your perspective is so radically skewed from all of the time you’ve been spending with Neal throughout this adventure that some of the comments you are making sound absurd to someone who has the complete story, which I assure you, you do not.
So my honest response to you, since you were honest with me, is this: Where were you when Cali needed you? People like Giovanni, Dave Peterson, Dave Curlee, and others actually hunted down both Cali and Neal. They spent countless hours hearing from both sides. I know that you’ve spent a lot of time with Neal, but you haven’t once picked up the phone and asked Cali what you could do to help her. Or asked her to go to lunch. Or anything else to my knowledge – which admittedly could be wrong.
Cali and I have talked about you on too many occasions to mention since all of this got started, but the fact that you chose to spend an inordinate amount of time with Neal without making any serious effort to spend time with Cali sends the message that you value your relationship with Neal far more than her. You hurt her… but ‘oh well’.
As for my personal intentions, I’d ask you to re-read your comments and see how many thoughts you have ascribed to me. You are certain I’m out for revenge, and that I want to destroy Neal. You seem to be accusing me of setting up the fake accounts. And more. Yet you admit that you don’t know me at all. And you haven’t spoken to me so you could actually judge my intentions first hand. You’ve become my judge, jury and executioner – without so much as asking me a single question. And that is wrong.
Jeff, you don’t need to write 14 paragraphs on my blog. You have, and always have had, full access to me in person. You can call me, IM me, DM me, or email me any time. You are welcome to come to my home and sit and talk face to face. (And you always have been… for some reason you just didn’t think so.) More importantly though, you’ve had access to Cali…
Cheers,
John P.
Question:
Could any of YOU wait a year while someone else is bashing you publicly?
Not in this knee-jerk day ‘n’ age!
I doubt I could wait a week. This alone speaks volumes about John P’s integrity, patience, and efficacy.
From a geographic and emotional distance, I’ve not been privy to all the details of these internecine events. To me, John has only reluctantly and humbly brushed this story in broad strokes, and never been malicious in his explanations of the break-up and aftermath.
Therefore, I could stay silent on this issue, but you see where that’s gotten John. Rather, if the issue is now a matter of public record, let me err on the side of two of the most honorable and positive people I’ve ever met: John and Cali. I wish you both a speedy and fair resolution of this unfortunate development.
Dave Courvoisier
Las Vegas, NV
If your intention was to let Neal know about the suit, wouldn’t a more effective and less public method be via Twitter, email or a phone call? The explaining of why you’re suing Neal seems unnecessary.
I appreciate how frustrating being on the receiving end of abuse must be, but it is relatively easy to block people on Facebook, on Twitter, to not visit particular blogs, to set up a filter automatically deleting or archiving email from certain senders or to work with your telco to block calls from certain numbers. I know that other people would still be able to see posts on Facebook/Twitter etc. but no one is going to truly believe a poorly worded tweet calling you satanic. Comments like those really don’t have to be responded to and aren’t going to harm your reputation.
Matt,
It has been a week, and despite MULTIPLE Twitter mentions from myself and others Neal has failed to react in any way at all. Including directing his attorney to ignore my attorney’s requests to accept service on his behalf. I have no obligation to email or phone him, and I’m not going to do it. Neal has proven to me that he cannot be engaged directly in any sort of rational discussion.
So the answer is NO, that would not be more effective.
Given that Neal is essentially in hiding, the next step in the state of Texas is to take the matter public. In fact, the courts will insist that I use every possible method of attempting to let Neal know that he has been sued, given that I have no address to have him served at. This means that the courts will literally require me to take out ads new local newspapers, etc.
The problem here is much, much deeper than a few Tweets. Neal makes a habit of sending long drawn out emails to people in which he attacks me subversively. He writes blog posts. He calls people and slanders me. If you want to know the effects this has on my reputation just see Tom’s comments above.
Finally, given that your comment is the 37th on this blog post in less than a week, I can’t believe you would say, “The explaining of why you’re suing Neal seems unnecessary”. On the contrary, if I had not explained the points above and only posted that I was suing him, I’d have been asked 100 questions.
There is a time for silence and there is a time for action. We are now in the latter.
John P.
If he’s directed his attorney then he’s aware that he’s being sued? Posting whatever legally needed to be conveyed to Neal and turning off comments would let Neal know without unnecessary comments.
I was a little bit bothered by John’s first mention of Cali on his blog a few years ago. He was way to ga-ga over her (in my opinion) and I thought that his being so public with his crush was no way to get a date with the girl. Little did I know that one or both of them were already married. That little episode took my impression of John down a notch, this law suit brings it down a few more notches. A law suit to restore his reputation can’t work. I’d recommend deleting this post and all the friend’s comments, it won’t help your reputation, John.
Tom,
I’m offended.
I don’t know where the hell these comments are coming from, but they sound like something Neal would say. So I guess I’ll ask you, have you been reading the things Neal has been saying about me? Because insinuating that I had a crush on her is ridiculous.
So rather than mis-remembering things lets stick to facts, ok? Here are the first posts, spanning 4 MONTHS, where I ever mentioned Cali Lewis on this blog. They haven’t been edited or touched. SHOW US ALL where you got the impression you are currently espousing:
Believe me, I’m prepared to go on quoting myself, but all you have to do is a Google search on my blog for her name and then come back and tell me exactly where it seems like I’m gushing on her. Feel free to share your findings with my wife of 20 years as well…
Now, after a few months of knowing Cali and Neal we all became friends. We even started Wealth Nation together! So you can expect me to sound excited when talking about my business partners! Why don’t you also search for my comments about Layered Tech, Elie Khoury and Jad Younan? Will you claim I’m gay because I sound so positive about Elie or Jad?
The absolute unavoidable fact of the matter is that I’ve never said or done anything to give you or anyone else the impression that my relationship with Cali is in any way inappropriate. And this is further supported by the evidence that Neal himself – her husband – suggested that the three of us start a show together. And for months I would drive across town to record it in their studio. NO man in his right mind would invite another man into his home if he thought for a second that guy was hitting on his wife!
Bottom line is, we were all very close friends. Neil’s inappropriate behavior drove Cali away. Neal then started making up lies about me to slander and libel me in order to tarnish my reputation. This lawsuit has nothing to do with “restoring my reputation”. It has everything to do with stopping Neal’s sharp tongue and putting an end to it.
John P.
“Neal has continually damaged JOHN’s* name and brand and that is technically a business attack.”-Quick Correction
“Neal constantly attacked and beat down both Cali and JOHN* without any questions asked for the past YEAR”-Quick Correction
I would just like to post again and re-affirm my support for both John and Cali through this. There have been multiple people who have commented on this criticizing John’s decision to sue Neal and post it on his blog. The fact that John wants to sue Neal is really less of a want and more of a need. Neal has continually damaged Neal’s name and brand and that is technically a business attack. I am shocked that so many are criticizing John for this. In one year of continually being verbally bashed John has only spoken up once. Neal constantly attacked and beat down both Cali and Neal without any questions asked for the past YEAR. Revieling way more into the situation then John has.
Keep up the awesome work John. I have lost all respect for Neal in the past year. He should realize that you never let your emotions affect your business. when you make social media your business you have to keep your blog posts, tweets, and wall posts strictly business. Maybe Neal should start thinking about handling his social media platform the way Cali has through this difficult time.
As someone who is also very, very close to this situation, I applaud you John for your decision. Thank you very much for taking such good care of my sister and being there to support her throughout this process. Thank you also for remaining silent this entire time. I realize that the general public does not, nor do they need to, know the entire situation and that has been extremely hard for the entire family/friend network to remain silent while Neal has continued to spew negativity and inaccuracies. I am continually shocked that someone with so much to lose, continually stirs the pot…almost tempting us to divulge our knowledge. The only thing that has kept me silent is the fact that it is not my story to tell, so I’ve supported Cali in her decision to remain silent and kept it at that.
I wish you the best in your endeavors and I hope this suit brings you the closure and the vindication you are searching for. In general, I’m not a proponent of lawsuits, but in this case, I feel you are completely within your rights. Maybe Cali will find a bit of vindication through this as well.
John,
I completely understand what you’ve done here. I think it’s interesting to hear the critiques and criticism, and opinions on how immature, pathetic, or unprofessional it is. I am guessing that there are few among them with the fortitude to keep their mouth shut for a year.
Several years ago, I was forced out of a startup in which I was a founding partner. It was an extremely painful process on it’s own, morally challenging, and unbelievably financially difficult. My name was drug (kicked, stomped, etc.) through the mud. One of the fine folks involved actually called my parents (the parents of an (at the time) early 30’s professional — to tell them that they had a bad son, and that I was a thief. (Mind you, the whole reason I was being forced out is that I refused to align on the ethical “low road” that the partners were continually trying to take.) Ultimately I elected not to sue (with millions at stake), but unlike you, I was NOT silent about it.
Folks. If you haven’t worn these shoes, don’t criticize the walk. It’s not an easy one. I for one have gained respect for John by his handling of the situation. Silent for a year while being personally attacked? I couldn’t do it.
I don’t really know anyone. But that all changed when I showed up at the bag stuffing party in preparation for OpenCamp. John and Holly are wonderful people. Such kindness and hospitality! And they even had Dublin Dr Peppers and Mexican Coca-Colas in the frig! What more could a volunteer ask for!
I’m a little embarrassed to say that I never even heard of GeekBeat TV before that. And Cali who? ha ha. But I know now. A super nice lady with such a sweet spirit about her.
I’m so sorry to hear of this. My support, thoughts, and prayers are with ya’ll!
Shane
I have to agree with John. Enough is enough, and although I have an idea of what Neal is going through, he doesn’t have a license to harrass others, particularly in a public forum! I’m divorced, but happily remarried another almost 30 yrs ago. I’m also retired from law enforcement, and I’ve seen too many people hurt, and killed, because out-of-control breakups. Neal needs help accepting the situation and maintaining self control.
I wish all three a peacefull resolution.
Disclaimer: I have known John all my life, which might make me biased in this situation, but anyone who knows me knows that I always try to look at both sides of the story and make my opinions based on fact instead of conjecture.
Like others, I have been on the sideline watching this as well. I have personally witnessed Neal’s derogatory remarks about John in various online areas (Twitter, Facebook, live streams, etc…) and I am surprised and impressed with John’s restraint out of respect for Cali. This has gone on for too long and I’m glad to see it finally being addressed.
To the commenters above who disagree with this post – tell me, when is enough enough? At what point should someone finally stand up and address the bullying, the defamatory comments, the obvious slanderous remarks that are only meant to hurt one’s reputation? Why should John be faulted for defending himself? I could understand your comments if it was a once or twice “knee-jerk” reaction on Neal’s part but this has been consistently going on for months! If you really disagree, which you obviously have the right to do, stand up for what you believe in and make yourself known.
I wholeheartedly stand by John’s decision to post this 100%, both personally and publicly, and I hope this gets resolved soon.
Much love and hugs to John, Holly, and Cali – and everyone in Cali’s corner! This has been a very difficult, extremely emotional and trying year for all involved. And I just hope you know that I have been here, by the sidelines – in your corner – the whole time!
And I’ve incredibly admired your strength, your ‘held tongues’, and the amazing things that you’ve come up with along the way, to boot!!! :D
Love and hugs from Alabama! Even though I’m not always able to physically BE in your circle – my heart always is!!!! :D
I hope this does not bother Cali in anyway.
Only a handful of people have played a large role in my upbringing as an online writer, and John is one whom I admired and regularly conversed with in the early years.
If John is what being Satanic is, then someone should tell the other Satanists they’ve got it all backwards.
This is the first I hear of this ordeal and don’t know what else he’s been called, but my general statement is that: John has been nothing but a nice, fair, stand-up guy.
Regarding comments that this post is uncalled for: What? I think it’d be unkind to not post at all, leaving Neal defenseless and uninformed about legal actions being taken against him. I agree that this Neal evidently has issues and posting/suing adds to that list, but John has been taking insults in silence for a year—with no end in sight! When prolonged silence is resulting in people beginning to think that Neal’s telling the truth, like the first commenter here, then telling the truth is not only fair for John’s sake, but for all his fans as well.
Best wishes and I hope all goes well.
John, I think this is not an acceptable thing to do. Yes, Neal may have done this but he was going through a difficult time and he shouldn’t have blamed you for it. You are only making it worse. You are making this man have even further problems and you will not be thanked for that by anyone.
I am now going to STOP watching GeekBeat and WebBeat and if you think it’s one viewer lost, you can think again because I am a loyal viewer and I have been from the start and I am a great fan of Cali and Pelpina but if their CEO is so PATHETIC to do this, I don’t want to help him.
Please re think your decision for everyone.
I’m sorry to hear you feel that way.
I can understand your concern that hitting a man while he’s down is not the right thing to do. And I’m not that type of person. I help everyone I can as much as possible.
But its important to recognize that all actions are appropriate at different times. And I exercised patience, offered assistance, and ignored all of his attacks for a very long time before deciding to take this appropriate action.
I would ask you to remember that Neal was publicly and repeatedly bashing his wife and telling the world how much he wanted to get back with her right up till the day their divorce was finalized. Then literally a week later he announced to her that he was getting married.
This is not a person who is going through a difficult time. He’s a person who is putting everyone around him through a difficult time. He’s a person with a Masters degree in Psychology, who knows how to manipulate people very well.
I’m sure Cali and Pelpina will miss you as a viewer. I’m sorry you can’t see the logic in my actions.
John
Hello John,
I decided to check back if you had responded.
You have now explained it in a way that I understand better and now I do realise he was hurting you and Cali through this. I still disagree with suing him, but I also appreciate your patience when he has been publicly calling you on the internet to millions of people.
I also disagree with Neal saying how much he misses Cali and then announcing marriage to someone else. This is the part that disgraces me the most and makes me think Neal just wanted a little sympathy.
I appreciate your honest answer and have changed my mind and I will continue watching your productions on Livid Lobsters. I now agree with your decision thanks to your reply. Although I don’t believe in suing him because I think it often is associated with greed of money (although I see in your case it’s not, I disagree with his actions) I hope Neal will learn that this is not an acceptable thing to do, especially on a public blog/Twitter account and it can be very hurtful to those involved.
Keep up the great work and I pass on my luck to you, Cali, Neal and everyone else involved during this hard time. I hope in the end Neal will decide that it’s not acceptable and can be classed as Cyber Bullying.
you need too realize John has a perfect right for Financial restitution in this matter due too the public nature of his job Neal’s public accusations could affect john and Cali not only there credibility but there business but could be detrimental too them in search of sponsors also
There is a proverb that says, ‘In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right,
until someone comes forward and cross-examines. ‘
If you’re suing him, why would you need to blog this? Are you not doing exactly what you faulted Neal of doing?
Rob, I believe I explained quite thoroughly in the blog post why I am posting this.
Neal is MIA. He needs to be served with notice that he has been sued. I didn’t have to do this at all. I could simply follow some archaic rules about posting notice in a local newspaper which Neal will NEVER see and then show up in court and get a summary judgement when we prove the Libel per se case to a jury.
But as I said, I told Neal straight up that when he pushed me too far I would let him know in no uncertain terms exactly what I was doing. And I am 100% certain that by now he knows what is going on very clearly. He simply needs to direct his attorney to accept service on his behalf so that he can be informed about what is happening.
Since you are asking me if I think I’m doing exactly what I’m faulting him for doing I would answer unequivocally – “NO”. Neal lashed out at Cali and I with name-calling, lies, and an attempt to absolutely damage our reputations. I believe that my fact based post here stands in stark contrast to his. But I’ll let everyone else be the judge of that.
Cheers,
John P.
This sounds weak. Obviously I can’t mind-read your intentions (money involved?), but this sounds like some sort of revenge or retaliation for ‘name-calling’… Lawyers will probably laugh at this (can’t wait to read your response telling me how lawyers think it’s a no brainer to sue him).
Also, the non-verbal insertion of unflattering pictures of Neal speaks loudly… you are definitely doing your part to make him look guilty. Which is what I said previously… exactly what you are pissed off that he did to you.
Last, fake ‘Neal bashing’ twitter accounts haven’t followed me for a while now… then one shows up the very day you write this post… and you have NO IDEA who it is? Come on John. This feels like 6th grade stuff.
Rob,
I understand that you‘re looking from the outside in. I hope you recognize that there are several of us who have endured Neal over the last year along with John and Cali and we can attest to the veracity of John’s posting. We all have had similar experiences to John’s. None of us have sued Neal but that’s only because we don‘t have the means to do so. I would hope you would give as much grace and trust to John and the rest of us as you appear to be affording to Neal.
Give me this much: You were not one of those who Neal targeted over the last year in blog postings, twitter, facebook, etc. You didn’t have to watch as Neal tore Cali apart in public while she had to endure it – without responding to it. I can tell you that his behavior over the past year was very hurtful to Cali. It was hard watching a friend suffer through what he was doing to her. It took a lot of discipline from all of us to not lash back out at him in public.
You did not have your ethics, morals and faith challenged in public. You didn’t have to suffer though phone calls in the middle of the night from a man in denial about things he already admitted to you that he had done. You didn‘t receive Neal’s 7 page emails attacking yourself, your friends, and your faith. In most states, Neal’s actions against any of us could be grounds for charges of harassment and bullying. But all of us who were trying to support both Cali and Neal (and who were eventually shunned by Neal) had to stand by and suffer through him while we worked to protect the brand that he was systematically destroying. One of the many ironies during this time-frame was that he was whining about not being able to support himself and we were all trying to keep GeekBrief.TV going so he would have an income.
As for your contention that this smells of revenge for ‘name calling’ – I think you’d have to look at why we have laws against libel and defamation to get to the heart of that question. On some level, I guess libel could be reduced to being labeled as simple ‘name-calling’ but after living through this over the past year and watching as John stood by while Neal relentlessly attacked his character, called John out by name, named John’s companies in an effort to damage John‘s business relationships, challenged John’s lifestyle choices, defamed John’s religious beliefs, accused John of trying to “steal†his wife (among other things) I’m going to assume this this rises above simple “name-calling†– to take such a pedestrian view on such an important issue is insulting to all involved.
Ironic on several levels since Neal has recently taken up the banner of anti-harassment and anti-bullying in the GBLT community. I guess that anti-bullying only applies if you are not a middle-aged white male with different religious beliefs from Neal Campbell.
So, I for one believe that John has every right to defend his good reputation in a public forum. I also see no reason why John should not use the very means that Neal used to attack him as the road to defend himself. As for your assumption that John would think this is an “open and shut†case – I’d certainly hope so, but I’m savvy enough to know that all you can do is put your case together with facts and evidence and show up in court and ask the bench to render justice in his or her best judgement. Nothing is open and shut and I‘m sure John is well-aware of that. To that end, John has amassed a huge amount of evidence from several different individuals to make his case to the court. So, I am certainly confident in John’s chances of prevailing in court.
I don’t post this in an effort to try and prove you wrong or shut you out, but I am taking up for John’s right to seek recourse in a court of law for all the transgressions he suffered at the keyboard of Neal Campbell. If society didn‘t believe that citizens should behave with a certain amount to civility and decorum in public, we wouldn’t have this mechanism in our legal system to address these kinds of issues.
Lastly, as for John’s posting this on his blog and your distaste for this methods, the law requires that John make every effort to notify Neal of his lawsuit. John addressed that in his post above. But, I am curious as to what you think about the dozens of postings Neal has penned in public. Why is John‘s single posting here so offensive to you, yet you don’t mention any of Neal’s behavior which led to John‘s need to defend his reputation and protect his personal and business interests? John’s single posting about filing this suit doesn’t come anywhere close to the dozens of hate-filled posts from Neal over the past year in my opinion. You should educate yourself and go read the ones he hasn‘t deleted. Even the ones he currently has left up should surprise you. It’s an honest question. Your thoughts?
Giovanni,
I appreciate hearing your thoughts and I’m fully aware that I haven’t been a target in any of this. I am an outside voice so, in a weird way, I appreciate the time you took to respond to me.
Neal absolutely needs to look at his part in this, own it, make right what he can make right, etc. He has a part, no doubt. My question is this… what is John’s part? Where did John not ‘behave with a certain amount of civility and decorum’ (private or public)?
Also, I’m curious, has this escalated in the last several months? On anyone’s part? Perhaps I’m unaware.
To clarify, those are questions I’m left wandering… not questions I expect you to answer. You’ve shared a lot, I understand your perspective on it well, learned from what you have said, and don’t feel anyone owes me an explanation or response. My hope is that both parties get this worked out, and the waters calm.
Rob,
Valid questions.
I’ve known Neal and Cali for about 4 years now and known John for a few. Based upon my direct interaction with all involved, and specifically from Cali and Neal’s conversations with me about their relationship with John – John’s part in this was to befriend Neal and Cali when Neal approached John about helping them with their business dealings. When asked, John has the soul of a servant. Neal asked for help and John stepped up as a friend and never asked for any compensation in return as far as I can tell. In fact, my assumption is that John has spent hundreds if not thousands of dollars out of his own pocket during he relationship with helping these two grow their business, market themselves, and learn about how to manage their finances.
When Cali chose to leave Neal, she ended up in a parking lot in the middle of the night, fearful for her life, with nowhere to go. She called upon John and his wife for advice and they took her into their home temporarily until Cali could figure out what to do next and start her new life.
John continued to offer business advice to Cali and now they work on different projects together. I am purposefully leaving out all the grimy details because I don’t want to open myself up to any charges of slander or libel from Neal.
Privately, we have all leaned on each other during this experience. There was plenty of hurt to go around and we are all very angry at, sad for, and confused by Neal and his actions. In all honesty, there have been conversations between us where no harsh words were spared about or towards Neal. Take that for what it’s worth: we’re human – but were very diligent about keeping this all private between those of us where were directly affected by Neal’s actions.
I am not aware of any public situations where John was not behaving in a civil manner towards Neal. In fact, John didn’t address any of this in public, including Neal’s attacks and accusations, in deference to Cali and the legal process was going through with Neal. If there are any postings where John was behaving in a untoward manner, I’d be interested in seeing them. I’m not aware of any.
Lastly, no this hasn’t escalated in the last few months.
Rob,
Make no mistake about it, there is a lot of pent up anger here. And this lawsuit is, in a sense, retaliatory; as virtually all lawsuits are. I hope you never find yourself in a position where you are under sustained attack from someone in this manner.
You may rest assured that my attorneys are not laughing, and I seriously doubt Neal or his attorneys will either. I did not enter into this lightly. And your hint that this might be money motivated is a clear indication that you don’t know the players here. Suffice it to say money has nothing to do with this.
Finally, this is the last time I’m going to say this – I’ve never set up any fake accounts on Twitter. I could take a guess at who might have done it, but then I’d be no better than you for accusing me of either doing it or being in league with whomever did.
You are wrong to accuse me of doing that, and I take insult that you persist after I already told you it wasn’t me. Unless you recognize that fact and own up to it you are uninvited from responding further on my blog.
John P.
John,
Thanks for taking time and responding… and thanks for your honesty on the anger stuff.
To clarify, I think it was ‘interesting’ that the day you post this, someone immediately creates another ‘Neal bashing’ twitter account… A faithful follower perhaps? I can’t find where I accuse you personally of doing it, but if it sounded that way, please accept my apology. I don’t think you have started any of the fake Twitter accounts. That wouldn’t be smart to do, and you strike me as very smart.
I’m also sorry you’ve already gotten to the point where you want to potentially remove me or un-invite me from commenting. I re-read my comments and to be honest, I’m surprised I somehow got you there so quickly.
John, see my comments to Giovanni if you will… I should have ended my comments to you in that way as well. I hope that this gets worked out and I am sorry for everyone involved because I know it’s been tough on all sides.
I already posted previously on this post about my feelings. But I did want to respond to Randy even though John might anyway. I have no relations with GeekBeat or Livid Lobster other than just as a fan. However I do know that if the picture are of John’s creation he has creative rights to do whatever he wants with the picture regardless of what anyone says. If he took an embarrassing picture of me that I might not want online, he still has total control of putting it up because it’s his creation. He took the picture. So although it might not make me (or in a better case Neal) very happy, it’s perfectly acceptable.
Or you could probably look at any tabloid and see some kind of picture that a celebrity would rather not have posted but that they can do nothing about.
Ironically enough it was only about 4 months ago the that douchebag (meaning Neal) was threatening me with a libel suit. He didn’t sue, but he was still a complete dick. I hate that obnoxious little man and do every thing in my power to make sure he never gets an other job in tv or film at least I know he will never work on one of my projects again.
John I don’t know you and I only worked with Neal one time, but after what happened during that one time I’m all for making his life a living hell.
I am so sorry to see it come to this. But this was an inevitable result of decisions Neal made all along the way. Decisions that left those of us close to these people slack jawed with amazement. Neal and I were friends, but he chose to terminate that friendship very perfunctorily when I would not accept his version of who John was. We’ve talked a few times since then, but trust is gone, and that’s a big thing to lose in a friendship. But those details aren’t important here. If my adding my voice here matters, what I’m saying is, John isn’t making this up. It’s all very sadly true. And the thing every one of us should take away from this is, what we say on the Internet matters and is forever, even if we think we’ve deleted it. It’s an irony that the words we compose, often while alone, reach more people than we can imagine and stay out there forever. Let’s make them words we can live with.
This is a very sad situation. I used to be a fan of GeekBrief but all of the stuff going on just turns my stomach. I wish everyone involved the best and hope everyone’s lives go on.
John, did you get permission to use the pictures of Neal on your blog post? I hope so, because if you used pictures of mine without permission, I’d be pissed.
Also, who is @NealGotSued ? That’s a childish way to handle things.
Good luck to all.
Randy,
Those images are all straight off of Flickr. All of the authors allowed embedding so yes, they are used with permission. I’m with you, and I wouldn’t steal anyone’s images…
I have no idea who set up the NealGotSued Twitter account, but I have to admit that it’s pretty funny. Even if it is childish. Sometimes its good to laugh at times like this. But it wasn’t me. I don’t have that kind of free time on my hands.
Cheers,
John P.
Fair use on the pictures. . .no wrong doing here.
Now, whoever put up the Twitter account might want to reconsider if they live in the State of Texas as the account, the photo, and the material likely crosses into criminal territory under the Texas Internet Harassment Act.
http://mikeyounglaw.com/internet-lawyer/online-harassment-texas-internet-law/ .
All I can say is, Thank You, John. Cali has stood alone in this for far too long and has the right, as do you, to finally get to stand in the light of actual truth. I am someone incredibly close to the whole situation and know that Cali has so much to tell and has had to keep quiet for her own sanity, her well-being, and for the sake of continuing forward without even more backlash than she has received. You too, John, have been hit harder than anyone deserves. Thank you for standing by her. It has meant a great deal to quite a few people that you have.
I know that hands are tied and I can’t rightly speak up and say what’s not mine to say, but know that Neal has many, many issues that have put people at risk for far too long that he needs to one day face up to. He will have to stand before his God for those.
I, like many others, have been watching this saga unfold over the year and, now, understand why Cali has not responded to a couple of questions I asked her. And I have to respect and admire her for that.
When this saga started (and let’s face it, it really is nobody’s business except Cali and Neal’s), I tried not to take sides – I have been a “fan” of Cali’s since the old TechTV days and was rather disappointed when she didn’t get selected for the “World’s Greatest Job” here in Australia. Also being a follower of Neal, primarily because he was the other half of the geekbrief.tv team, it became evident quickly that he had become a bitter, twisted person over the whole affair.
Why destroy whatever chance of a friendship you might have by acting like a spoilt brat is really beyond belief. As to how things broke down, I must admit to a touch of curiosity, but that’s just me – it really is nobody’s business but theirs.
Having been through something similar myself 20 years ago (where my ex reacted as Neal is now and has been) I really feel for Cali – these situations are never easy and airing your dirty laundry in public is nothing more than childish and vengeful – and it doesn’t help anyone (as my ex, now on husband #4) found out). For that to degenerate into personal attacks against a friend is just…. stupid.
Regardless of your religious beliefs or lack thereof, “playing the God card” because you are hurt does nothing to enhance people’s opinion of you.
I hope Cali can move on and be happy knowing that she has such good friends in you and your wife, and her legion of fans out there. She has brought me, personally, much enjoyment and entertainment over the years and yes, I *do* consider her a friend.
Jon (Sydney)
I would also like to remain anonymous. Although I don’t know any of you personally, I am a fan of yours and Cali’s and I was at one point a fan of Neal’s. However over the past several months Neal has disappointed me all on his own. From a far I could see what was happening and I’m sure thousands of people can sense similar things.
The way Cali initially addressed the issue was great. She did not place blame on anyone and just let people know. Neal at first took the high road and followed suit. But from a distance I could see the anger boiling. He started posting slightly “edgy” comments and as the anger grew the posts got even more racy, further damaging his great reputation.
His blog posts were to a point that I fully expected a response from you or Cali without any question. However you both took a higher position and I greatly respect that. It takes a lot of will power to stand by and allow someone to wrongfully accuse you. The way Neal posted things publicly on a whim showed what was really going on and made his feelings of unsureness aware to everyone. Half of what he did seemed like a drunken confusion.
Most could tell that any posts, tweets, or comments were out of angered mood swings. I’m sure that these mood swings come with most divorces and I’m lucky to not have ever experienced this.
This whole process shows a lot about the integrity of all in the situation. Neal has shown himself as insecure and vulnerable and you and Cali look and definitely are stronger more controlled people.
I think it’s great that Neal has found God again. I am a christian who definitely has an issue with hypocrisy, but I think that Neal needs to work and pray on being a different Christian. He is publicly being a hypocrite in ways that are harming others. I hope he sees the error in his ways soon and I commend you for acting as you have.
I no longer follow Neal as it is no longer entertaining or funny, it is now just sad and pathetic.
Cali is the true hero in all of this for coming out strong, independent, and happy. I’m proud of all of you and pray and wish the best for you all, as I pray that Neal can see exactly what the problem is here and admit it all in court.
Best regards,
(If you feel like responding to this you have my email address and know who I am. But I am publicly anonymous for this post.)
John,
First off, let me say you are the nicest satanic person I’ve ever met.
Second, all my evidence belongs to us, er, you. Happy to support you 110% in your efforts to sue Neal Campbell ( http://twitter.com/nealcampbell ).
As you well know, I’ve had my interesting experiences with Neal throughout this ordeal. The day Cali left him he called me and we spent a couple hours on the phone. During the call, he was honest and forthright about many of the issues that drove Cali away. He also told me about the single event that was the final straw for Cali leaving. During this call, his recounting of events matched up exactly as Cali told me a couple months later. She was shocked that he had told me. I didn’t realize that he had begun denying that the event even took place.
During the call, he took 100% responsibility for the situation in which he found himself. I took him out for a couple lunches and a couple local events to help him get out and expose him to more people.
As you explained in your blog post – a few weeks after Cali moved out, Neal became more and more aggressive about manipulating my relationship with Cali to get her to go back to him. On one particular phone call after I had spent a few days with Cali talking in some detail about her side of the events revolving around their breakup, I informed Neal that it was my opinion that no matter who was “at fault” in the breakup, Cali was not in a mental place to consider going back to him any time soon. I told him he had no choice but to let her go through that part of her life journey based upon what she felt was best for her. Further, I let him know that I didn’t see anything that would indicate that she would ever return to him as his wife, but that she was very concerned about his well-being and worried about his financial situation. Cali and I had several conversations about how she wanted to make sure he was able to care for himself financially, which is why she stayed on with GeekBrief.TV for so long after their contract with Mevio expired.
Upon hearing this news – I was officially “rebuked in the name of God” and such began Neal’s online crusade against me. In his mind, simply the fact that I was friends with you was enough to make me his enemy.
I’m happy to donate the voicemails he left for me at 2am, his lengthy emails he sent at 3 am and the screenshots of his tweets and facebook wall postings he sent at all hours of the night.
For all the spectators out there – I’m vouching 100% for John’s testimony here. It has taken Herculean strength and discipline from both John and Cali over the past year as Neal spewed his venom via facebook, twitter, blogs, email, voicemail, etc. Because of what he’s put these two through over the past year, I am very interested in seeing what happens when the rest of the world learns about the REAL Neal Campbell I’ve learned about during this process. For once, the cyber-bully is going to have the tables turned on himself. It will be interesting to watch justice being served in the same forum Neal chose to use to abuse Cali over the past year.
So John, It’s not *just* a Texas thing I do to fit in when I say, “Giddy up!”
-giovanni “pure at heart/always on the satanic side” gallucci
I’m sorry to leave this comment anonymously, but to be honest Neal knows me and I don’t want to get caught up in the middle of this. But I’ve seen what he said about you and Cali over and over and I couldn’t believe that neither of you ever responded. I hate to admit it but it did make me wonder if the reason you didn’t respond was because Neal was telling the truth and you and Cali were really as bad as he said.
Now I don’t know what to think. But I’m guessing that you wouldn’t be dumb enough to spend money to sue someone if they weren’t lying and you didn’t have proof. I know that really none of this is anyone’s business but Neal and Cali’s, but considering that he has been blogging about it nonstop since their seperation somehow I feel like I kind of have the right to know more now.