You can’t make this stuff up. A 54-year-old man, shouting (in comments, of course):

“She’s a schizophrenic with psychosis and she insulted my characters!”

He even launched a whole petition in his girlfriend’s Facebook group, portraying me as a monster, claiming he had thrown me “love and charity,” and that I had metaphorically “spat in his face.”

Welcome to the digital soap opera I didn’t audition for.

🎭 Let’s Talk About Boundaries

First things first: I never promised this man love or affection. I actually reminded him repeatedly about his wife and family, and even gave advice like, “Maybe build a shelter in case of war?” (Helpful, I thought.)

He was stunned that I publicly posted screenshots of his nasty messages and commented on them. Sure, four people unfollowed me, and I lost a potential client. But what’s the price of dignity?

Then he rallied his lady friends to attack me in groups and social media, turning a disagreement into full-blown internet harassment. It was shocking. Why did it escalate?

🧩 Where It All Began

We met years ago through a client chat from a project that ended back in 2016. This man messaged me, saying he had a job for me—but from his words, it seemed more like pity because I’m Ukrainian, not because I’m a professional. He kept doubting my skills while benefiting from my undermarket rates.

At the time, he give $50 per line art—far below the US market price of $100–$200 per comic page. That’s a deal, not a favor. Yet, somehow, I was portrayed as the one taking advantage?

Okay, I get it. Eastern Europeans and Asians are often seen as “cheap labor” by Western clients. But don’t mistake that for gratitude. I was working, not begging.

🧠 When I Opened Up...

He said he was my “friend,” so I shared some personal struggles (no, not those kinds of fantasies). I mentioned my mental health condition—and he later used it as a public insult.

My question is: so what? Do people with mental illness not deserve to work? To draw? To create?

While waiting for his client (who kept delaying things), he told me they might want 30 pages by August. It was May. I calculated: three months, $1,500 total.

In my country, the average monthly salary is $500. That’s not a privilege—it’s just a freelance job.

✏️ Underpaid and Undermined

I drew 13 characters with 2–3 poses each for just $120. That’s absurdly under market value.

I lowballed myself to get the project, trying to keep things professional. But all I got was constant nitpicking and subtle undermining—even about my own comic project. He literally listed what I needed to “fix” in my creation. Excuse me?

Then came the criticism of my website:

“It needs proof of effectiveness.”

My website is my portfolio—my personal story. It’s not an Amazon listing with five-star reviews.

Ironically, his site is just a business card, and he works at a factory by day. I’ve been an illustrator full-time, working with real clients for years.

He once said he received an award from Hollywood. Cool. I’ve had some Hollywood folks accept my LinkedIn request too. We’re all professionals here. Let’s not play prestige games.

🤯 The Moment I Snapped

I felt pressure and subtle aggression in every conversation. Eventually, I said it:

“You’re manipulating people to do what you want.”

His reply?

“You just don’t like being controlled.”

Why did he think he had the right to control a random online colleague? When I pushed back, he threatened to “fire” me. But plot twist: we had no contract! I gladly refunded the $120 deposit for the pages I hadn’t even started.

Then came the grand accusation:

“You’re ungrateful for my kindness.”

Okay, Superman.

Even Jesus said when you give charity, expect nothing in return.

He went on to threaten to block my PayPal, sabotage my income, and teach me a “lesson.” But here’s the kicker: comics, anime, and even film are not my ultimate passion!

I’m building a brand for startup artists who want to do business—not impress the industry elite. I love tech, avionics, and military strategy (yes, really). Before I market, I have to create. That’s what I’m doing.

💔 The Real Takeaway

What this man did—gaslighting, manipulation, constant doubts, and threats—is emotional abuse.

Gaslighting is when someone denies their own words, flips the script, and blames the victim for the attack.

When I once wrote,

“Do you want to kill me?”

He actually replied:

“Didn’t you logically guess what happens in these cases?”

Yes. That’s a public threat. Over anime drawings. He didn’t pay me millions. He didn’t build a business with me. He didn’t even want to pay fair rates.

🚨 Group Harassment Is Real

He tried to start a group bullying campaign. This happens to young artists all the time—especially women.

Abusers often pretend to be kind friends, offering “help” or some money, making promises. But when you don’t bow to their generosity—they show their fangs.

He even exposed my medical history as revenge. That’s abuse.

Let me clarify:

I have a Bachelor’s in Philology and a college degree in College with Arts Education. I’ve worked at children’s camps, studied literature and illustration, and even worked in a neurology department alongside top doctors—where the mayor’s father was once treated. No joke. People died in front of me and my colleagues took them to the morgue...I live on the war.

He may have five Hollywood clients.

Great. That doesn’t make me wrong for speaking up.

My opinion matters too.

🧠 Read About Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Seriously. It explains a lot.

Thanks for the bullying, Hollywood man.

He threatened me with a lawsuit to get my last pennies back, I gave them back to him. Your $120.

He told everyone that I was sick... why did I trust him?

I'm not telling you fairy tales here.

I know no one cares about us.