Earlier Wednesday, TheWrap broke the news that IESB.net founder and film producer Robert Sanchez is being sought by police regarding allegations of sexual abuse involving his 14-year-old stepdaughter.
The online film community, which had been whispering about the scandal on Twitter on Tuesday, immediately tweeted their reactions to the still-developing story.
While some expressed outrage over Sanchez's alleged behavior, others chose to offer sympathy for the alleged victim and her family, and a few bloggers seemed more concerned with public perception of their insular community and The Wrath of Con party that IESB has long been associated with at Comic Con.
Here are just a handful of reactions from distinguished names in the online film news community and others who are familiar with Sanchez.
Devin Faraci of CHUD writes: I've been sick to my stomach and shaking about this news. I met that girl … Evil people don't always act evil in public… For people gleeful about 'being right' about Sanchez: hope your schadenfraude based on the pain of a teen girl is worth it."
Russ Fischer of Slash Film writes: "I'm quite surprised that [Nikki] Finke didn't get to it first. Can only imagine how she'd have presented it … I'm hoping that proper care and support is being given to the family members who are going through hell right now."
Patrick Lee writes: "Don't know what to say about Robert Sanchez. I guess you never know what's going on at home, if it's true. Feel really bad for the family."
Peter Sciretta of Slash Film writes: "The whole thing is just gross."
Jen Yamato of Movies.com writes: "Yesterday's tasteless rumor-mongering becomes today's salacious news. Sigh … People are more concerned with the idea of a party not happening or the community getting blow back than what actually happened? Come on."
El Mayimbe of Latino Review writes: "My thoughts are first & foremost with the girl. A family was torn apart … Like I said earlier. You think you know someone then boom … It's really sad though … I knew of his appetites but not like this … I don't think he took his life though … I grew up with some violent individuals who cracked skulls & did some nasty [stuff]. But THIS clearly takes the cake."
Jeff Katz of GeekWeekOnline.com writes: " As many of us unfortunately learned following the Chris Benoit incident, you never really know someone. Sad, sad situation for all involved."
Jeremy Smith of Ain't It Cool News writes: "Speechless. I might have to take a break from Twitter for the next twenty-four … In the same way idiots use folks like Polanski to tar all of Hollywood, I'm sure there will be generalizations."
Neil Miller of Film School Rejects writes: "Fact: There are bad people in the world, regardless of their occupation. It shouldn't be hard to separate the individual from the community … It's hard to believe for all of us. I guess you just really never know some people."
