In the hyperconnected world we live, it has become possible for people to attain fame, and lose it, in the blink of an eye. But, it’s also become inordinately clear that fame isn’t always something that should be aspired to. At the same time, the fame might be what gives this story a somewhat happy ending.
Where Is He Now? The 19 Dollar Fortnite Card Meme Guy
It’s unclear when this video was initially posted, but at some point prior to January 14, 2021, TikTok user @mrblocku published a … strange video. It was presented as an announcement that he was hosting a giveaway of a $19 Fortnite card. This isn’t the strange part. It must have been filmed using the app’s 2x or 3x feature, because @mrblocku’s movements are choppy … almost uncanny.
In any case, the video quickly became an icon for meme lords, who, when considering the choppy nature of the original video, made versions featuring Morshu, the infamous shopkeep from Zelda CD-i. But, the real story of @mrblocku is not nearly as whimsical as the memes might suggest.
@mrblocku, or, Fate Moffitt, was reportedly homeless at the time when his original video attained virality. He’d had a falling out with his wife, which left him unable to visit his children, and … generally speaking, things weren’t great. In the aftermath of the video, however, there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Unsurprisingly, the virality of the original video wasn’t enough to propel Moffitt to viral stardom, but that didn’t stop him from posting new content, including a sequel to the infamous giveaway video.
It would seem that, while Moffitt had a small, but loyal, support system, hate was beginning to come from the woodwork. From his friend and landlord evicting — and later allegedly assaulting — him to people on TikTok accusing him of e-begging, things reportedly got so bad that Moffitt contemplated self harm. But, that’s where YouTuber Justicul comes into the picture.
On the Upswing
Justicul, also known as Leander Hofkes, is a content creator who typically covers internet personalities and drama, including FaZe Clan, KSI, and other topics. On March 21, 2022, Hofkes uploaded their initial video on Moffitt, which received over 2.5 million views and 100,000 likes. Then, around seven months later, on October 23, they uploaded a follow-up on Moffitt.
According to that video, the bulk of views came once Hofkes changed the thumbnail of the original video. But, regardless, the internet was now aware of Fate Moffitt, and would change his life for the better. He started to receive donations via GoFundMe, TikTok, and CashApp from generous benefactors. But, the hate, which had always been there, was being amplified by the sudden surge of attention. He decided to take a break from posting to dodge the negativity.
According to Moffitt in an interview with Hofkes:
You know when I took that break from TikTok and I wasn’t posting, I was thinking about doing bad stuff to me, bro. Because all the people kept telling me like, ‘you asking little kids for stuff,’ you asking these people for this’ and ‘you asking these people for this’ and that’s all I kept seeing, bro! And you know you keep seeing that in the comment section, it starts messing with your psyche a little bit!
Fate Moffitt, @mrblocku
Less of an Ending, More of a Checkpoint
But, he kept posting. In the follow-up video by Hofkes, it’s revealed that he was raising money to find a new place to live. He needed $3,000 to successfully move, and as of writing, the GoFundMe has reached over $3,500. So, while this is definitely good news, the ending to this story is less an ending, and more of an update. It’s more of a checkpoint, because as of this moment it seems that Moffitt is still posting.
Related: Who has the Most Crown Wins in Fortnite?
So, that’s where Fate Moffitt, or @mrblocku has been in the time since unintentionally creating a meme. Big thanks to Hofkes, whose videos provided a lot of relevant information about the circumstances surrounding Moffitt and the 19 Dollar Fortnite Card meme.
Published: Dec 5, 2022 02:20 pm