Allegations against Jacob Fatu.
Jake's Network of Hope, a nonprofit based in Neenah, Wisconsin, has accused Jacob Fatu of not returning money after he pulled out of their fundraiser event and then ghosting the organization. Fatu was booked for their Hits For Hope event.
From NBC 26:
“Jacob called and said that there was a family emergency. We gave him the benefit of the doubt. At Jake's, we are 100% about family and I said, ‘if you can't make it, that's fine,’” Harper said.
All she asked was that her nonprofit be reimbursed for the money spent booking him, which came to a total of $2,633.
She said $1,030 was pre-paid for Fatu's appearance, but they'd also spent $548 on a hotel stay for him, $657 on an initial flight, $348 on a flight change at his request, and $50 on 8x10 posters that were printed for him to autograph at the event.
“We rescheduled the flight that he missed originally, and about an hour after that flight took off, we were made aware from him that he wasn't coming. After that, he ghosted us, he ghosted the production team that puts together the wrestling show, and he ghosted the person that booked him for us," Harper said.
Pro Wrestling KING in South Bend, Indiana also said Fatu had taken their money and stopped responding to calls for an event on June 3.
Harper has said a major name from Fatu's wrestling family heard about the incident and reached out to offer an appearance at Jake's next wrestling fundraiser in 2024.
NBC 26 reports Fatu has not responded to requests for comment on the situation at this time.
Fatu is signed to MLW and is the reigning MLW National Openweight Champion.
Jake's Network of Hope is focused on providing necessities to underprivileged families, schools, and other nonprofits. Fans can learn more about the organization by clicking here.
Fightful will update fans on the situation as more is known.
