Cody Kolodziejzyk Steps Down from TMG Studios Amid Serious Allegations

Background and Departure

Cody Kolodziejzyk, known in the commentary sphere as Cody Ko, has announced his decision to step back from daily operations at TMG Studios, the podcast network he co-founded. This decision follows severe allegations of inappropriate conduct. The announcement, made publicly on Friday evening via a post to paid subscribers, comes in response to accusations that Kolodziejzyk engaged in a sexual relationship with an underage influencer when he was 25 years old.

The podcast network, which hosts six shows, has suspended new episode releases over the past week. This pause in content aligns with Kolodziejzyk's shift away from active management of the studio.

Allegations and Public Response

The allegations emerged in June, when influencer Tana Mongeau, 26, accused Kolodziejzyk, 33, of having sex with her when she was underage. Mongeau’s claims, which gained traction following a viral clip, have ignited significant backlash. Despite Kolodziejzyk’s silence on the matter, he has experienced a substantial decline in his subscriber base, losing approximately 250,000 subscribers over the past month, according to Social Blade.

Kolodziejzyk’s representatives have yet to address multiple requests for comment on the situation.

Internal Communication and Network Leadership

Details of Kolodziejzyk's departure were initially shared via email with TMG Studios employees on Friday morning. The content of the email, which NBC News has reviewed, was published behind a paywall for TMG Studios subscribers. The announcement clarified that Kolodziejzyk would be stepping away from day-to-day operations to minimize any impact on the network and its team. The post read: “As we enter into this next phase of the studio, we wanted to let you know that Cody will not be involved in the day-to-day operations at TMG Studios. What has transpired over the past few weeks is a personal issue for him, and Cody wants to remove any effect this is having on your professional and personal lives and the work you and our other hosts have done to make TMG Studios so successful.”

Noel Miller, Kolodziejzyk’s longtime business and creative partner, will continue to lead the network. The network’s programming is anticipated to resume “in the coming weeks,” with Kolodziejzyk co-hosting the “Tiny Meat Gang Podcast” and also running his own show, “Insanely Chill.”

Impact on TMG Studios and Podcasters

This development follows the recent departure of podcasters Drew Phillips and Enya Umanzor, whose show “Emergency Intercom” was acquired by TMG Studios in May. On July 19, Phillips and Umanzor announced their decision to produce the podcast independently. Their announcement did not directly address the allegations against Kolodziejzyk. Representatives for Phillips and Umanzor have not responded to requests for additional comment.

Mongeau’s Statements and Public Discourse

Tana Mongeau has publicly addressed the allegations across multiple platforms in June. On her podcast “Cancelled,” she referred to her encounter with Kolodziejzyk as a “crime,” reflecting her disillusionment with the incident. Mongeau, who recently turned 26, expressed confusion about Kolodziejzyk’s actions, questioning, “When I look back at the Cody situation, I definitely am like, why was he doing that?” She also mentioned a past incident at a YouTuber convention where influencer Gabbie Hanna allegedly warned Kolodziejzyk about Mongeau’s age, which Mongeau claimed was ignored.

In a subsequent appearance on Trisha Paytas’ podcast “Just Trish,” Mongeau discussed the skepticism she faced due to her controversial reputation. She acknowledged how public perceptions can adversely affect the credibility of such claims.

Reactions from the Commentary Community

The commentary community on YouTube, known for its scrutiny of online figures, remained relatively muted until July 14, when creator D’Angelo Wallace posted a video addressing Kolodziejzyk’s allegations. Wallace’s video prompted responses from other prominent creators. Commentary YouTuber Jarvis Johnson, on July 15, stressed the importance of listening to victims and treating such claims with seriousness. Brittany Broski, a prominent TikTok star, also expressed her dismay via Instagram Stories, stating that if the allegations are proven true, it would be profoundly disturbing given her previous collaborations and admiration for Kolodziejzyk.

TMG Studios Overview

Founded in 2021, TMG Studios includes several popular podcasts, such as “Tiny Meat Gang Podcast,” “Brooke and Connor Make a Podcast,” “Obsessed with Brooke Averick,” “The Zach and Wahlid Show,” “Company Lot,” and “Insanely Chill.” The network’s future trajectory remains uncertain as it navigates the repercussions of Kolodziejzyk’s departure and the ongoing controversy surrounding him.

In conclusion, Cody Kolodziejzyk’s decision to step away from TMG Studios represents a significant shift for the network amidst serious allegations. The situation has elicited diverse responses from the public and commentary community, highlighting broader issues of accountability and trust within the digital content sphere.