It looks like professional alt-right controversialist and all-round douchebag Milo Yiannopoulos is getting desperate. Having already been banned from nearly every online platform ever, he can now add a furry convention to his list.
Yiannopoulos announced that he took on a fursona before purchasing tickets to the Midwest FurFest just outside of Chicago in December – which celebrates “the furry fandom” – on messaging app Telegram, which is one of the few places he hasn’t been kicked off, yet.
According to his Telegram posts, he also suggested hosting his own panel called “The Politics of Fur”, and told his followers to contact him for “dinner, drinks, photos, or anything else” if they were also attending the convention.
Understandably, the news has created an online outcry from furries and humans alike, and the MidWest FurFest tweeted that it was “investigating all concerns”. The organisers later released a statement saying that “hate is not welcome at Midwest FurFest”.
“We are dedicated to providing a safe, harassment-free convention experience for all, regardless of age, race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, or personal beliefs,” continued the statement. “Midwest FurFest can confirm that Mr. Yiannopoulos has registered for the event this year. While the convention generally does not comment on anyone's registration status, Mr. Yiannopoulos has already stated as much publicly.”
“The board of Midwest Furry Fandom, consistent with our posted code of conduct, has rescinded Mr. Yiannopoulos's registration. He is not welcome to attend this or any future Midwest FurFest event,” it concluded.
As it happens, Yiannopoulos is saying he will be attending anyway. He posted on Telegram yesterday, September 17, sharing screenshots of emails her sent to FurFest organisers, which read: “I asked you to reach out to me so I could correct lies and slanders about me and reassure you about my intentions. You didn’t, so I’m coming anyway. And I’m bringing friends. Get ready.” He concluded: “If you wish to rescue this relationship, you have 24 hours in which to act.”
In response, Midwest FurFest released another statement on Twitter, emphasising that Yiannopoulos is not welcome at the convention, and that he is banned from registering for future events. Is this the start of Furrygate2019?