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Got duped into a podcast, got slandered, now shows up in google searches
Posted by on September 8, 2025 at 5:59 pmHi folks,
Hoping for advice.
I work in a field that researches health disparities/medical racism. I’m also a community activist, a white woman, with an identity that’s pretty wrapped up in fighting alongside people who have been wronged in big ways.
I got fooled into being on podcast that was then posted to Apple Podcasts calling me a white supremecist, which undermines my reputation and everything I stand for. I work for a university who won’t fight this battle on my behalf.
I reached out to a popular company who quoted me $2k if they were able to remove the podcast. Does that seem like a reasonable amount?
I’d love advice from experts, if anyone is willing.
Many thanks.
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1 Reply
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I wouldn’t pay a dime upfront.
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Have you made a [request to Google](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/3143948?hl=en)?
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Lawyers.
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I’m so sorry about that, OP.
Can you reach out to Apple Podcasts? You’ll need to provide some documentation and also mention how this false set-up is actively hurting you professionally and personally.
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I’d look into what you could do to remove the podcast yourself with your resources or bury the story into Google (AKA personal reputation management).
If there is slander I would work with your own attorney to see what options you might. Most have a free initial consultation.
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I’d ask for a link to the podcast but that wouldn’t help your case at all 😂
Be wary of these services- a lot are scams. And you’d be more likely to fall for scams being in the vulnerable position you are in. Be careful! Pay for results, nothing upfront.
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Are they asking $2K for negotiation with the podcast host? Or it also includes any payment the host asks for?
Online Reputation Management is an overarching strategy, that includes negotiating and other activities to bury the results, etc.
I think you need to talk to them and understand what they are offering.
I know it is a difficult time and it could be very stressful to see your name online like that.
One tip: don’t search and click the link repeatedly.
Happy to answer any questions.
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Howe would they take down a podcast for $2,000?
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$1k bribe to remove podcast, $1k profit to the popular company.
Just offer to pay yourself, saved you $1k.
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I can take a look and see what needs to be done. Hard to say, as the scope of work isn’t 100% visible but it’s doable either way
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I think I’d start by filing a DMCA takedown.
It’s your voice, used in a way that you didn’t provide permission for it to be used. You would have never provided your voice and permission to use it had they been upfront about how it was to be used.
Lots of web publishers don’t exactly know how to handle a DMCA takedown and will just nuke the content rather than fight it.
Then I’d file a lawsuit for damages. Part of that lawsuit can include a requirement to unpublish any published copies anywhere, and destroy all non-published media of it.
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How the hell did they manage to paint you as a white supremacist using your own words?
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Personally I would first speak to an attorney.
Is the podcast labelling you in a negative light?
They are most likely doing it for ratings.
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I would take this one to court. A lot of online platforms won’t do anything without a court order.
In the meantime, take control of your online presence as much as possible. Create a website, Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube channel, and any professional profiles you can. Ask for an alumni article about your work. Etc.
Basically you want to flood the internet with accurate info about you that you control, in hopes of it burying or diluting the allegations.
Good luck. Sorry you’re going through this.
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