CATAWOL Records shares a statement on the lasting effects of bullying in hobby spaces and why every voice deserves to be heard.
As the LEGO hobby becomes more mainstream and visible, the responsibility to encourage participation grows. This release reflects our continued commitment to philanthropy, goodwill, and the belief that communities thrive when people are welcomed rather than pushed away.
Bullying destroys confidence in the moment and affects the way people contribute, create, and connect for years to come.
Mistreatment often targets talented and generous people, who bring their own brand of energy and imagination. Many withdraw from the hobby or leave completely, while others find the inner courage to persist through hostility. In either case, creative energy is irretrievably lost.
Experiences from our Supporters
Since the launch of the Real Figures Don’t F.O.L.D Song Contest, we have been honoured to hear from people who have been affected by bullying.
A handful of these stories tell of contributors who once shared their builds freely and enthusiastically, only to be singled out and mocked. In some cases, their contributions were even stolen and left uncredited. What began as a joyful pastime became a source of stress, turning them away from the hobby altogether.
Others came from those who chose a different path, in the face of persistent exclusion. Instead of leaving entirely, they found support within a smaller circle of peers, rebuilding their confidence with a renewed purpose.
The most common stories reflect the quiet reality experienced by many: remaining cautiously involved in the hobby space, speaking less, sharing less, and protecting themselves from further harm.
A Call for Better Community Standards
The influence of the F.O.L.D - a body of influential fans - within the LEGO space coincides with the hobby’s rise into the mainstream. With greater visibility comes greater scrutiny, and in some cases, greater isolation for select individuals.
That reality must be confronted honestly if the hobby is to remain a place where creativity is celebrated rather than controlled.
CATAWOL Records believes that the stories we’ve received matter, along with the many more untold ones. When people are isolated, dismissed and driven out, the whole community is diminished. When their experiences are recognised, the path opens toward accountability, healing and a more welcoming future.
Despite repeated calls for comment and acknowledgement, the F.O.L.D continues to remain silent on the issue of bullying.
Join the Conversation
If you believe every story deserves to be told, we encourage you to stand with those working to make hobby spaces more open to all.
We encourage everyone in the space to take simple actions to help others feel valued and included. Greeting newcomers, offering helpful feedback, or celebrating unique and creative builds can make all the difference.
CATAWOL Records invites readers to share this message and help ensure that no one is quietly pushed out of the joy they once helped build.
We encourage hobby communities, creators, and organisers to reflect on the culture they help shape.