Patreon refuses takedown request against Reckless Ben amid Bricks and Minifigs $200K Lego dispute

Patreon co-founder and CEO Jack Conte declined to remove Ben's content despite receiving a legal takedown request

Patreon has declined to remove content published by YouTuber Reckless Ben despite receiving a legal takedown request connected to his ongoing investigation into a disputed $200,000 Lego Star Wars collection.

According to statements made by Patreon co-founder and chief executive Jack Conte in a YouTube video, the membership platform received an official request on May 29 from Bricks & Minifigs seeking the removal of media and accounts associated with Reckless Ben, whose real name is Benjamin Schneider. 

Patreon, which allows creators to offer exclusive content to paying subscribers before making it publicly available, is a key platform for Schneider's investigation.

His videos are typically released to Patreon supporters first before appearing on YouTube several days later.

Addressing the request, Conte said Patreon had reviewed the complaint, supporting exhibits and a motion relating to a temporary restraining order.

He then stated, "After an extensive review and investigation by Patreon's trust and safety team, we have in fact unfortunately determined that Bricks and Minifigs can stuff it. We're keeping Ben's page up. And if Bricks and Minigs doesn't like that, they can sue us. Patreon out."

The dispute centres on Schneider's investigation into allegations that a Star Wars Lego consignment belonging to Bryan Mansell was never returned after being placed with a Bricks & Minifigs store in Keizer, Oregon.

Separately, Schneider recently responded to a statement issued by the American Fork Police Department regarding arrests and a search warrant connected to the case.

Police said officers were investigating complaints involving alleged stalking and targeted residential picketing rather than the underlying business dispute.

Schneider has challenged the department's account and indicated that further legal action may follow. He has also confirmed that a third instalment of his investigation is set to be released soon .