Intro
At Consult Atlas Foundation, we don’t just celebrate success stories—we acknowledge the hard ones too. That’s what it means to lead with integrity.
Recently, a former client—after receiving months of services including business licensing, legal IP support, and a fully customized AGC platform plan—decided to walk away from their responsibilities. This client had entered into a financing agreement with us—a micro-loan that allowed payment for their startup project over time. They paid only a fraction of the cost yet received over two dozen deliverables.
Then came the email: a written threat to publish negative reviews across Yelp, BBB, Trustpilot, and other platforms unless we refunded their payments and destroyed the intellectual property materials—despite a signed non-refundable service contract and a mutual non-disclosure agreement.
This isn’t just about one client. It’s about a growing pattern.
When “Review Blackmail” Replaces Dialogue
We’ve seen this happen to other companies:
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In Hassell v. Bird (2018), a California court ordered the takedown of defamatory reviews that were posted after a professional dispute.
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In McMillan Law Group v. Yelp, a law firm successfully defended itself against false claims posted as a pressure tactic.
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In Sandals Resorts v. Google, courts ruled that anonymity doesn’t protect speech that crosses into libel or breach of contract.
These aren’t isolated cases—they are cautionary tales for companies like ours and yours.
The Truth Is Not Our Enemy—It’s Our Policy
At ATLAS, we make mistakes. All companies do. When we fall short, we apologize. We fix it.
But when we keep our promises, go beyond the contract, fund the project, and still face intimidation, we draw the line.
This client was helped with licensing, policies, bylaws, investor materials, web strategy, and more. Our CEO even flew to Honolulu at personal cost to provide additional support. We delivered far more than what was paid for and kept the door open, even after the working relationship ended.
Yet instead of resolving things professionally, we were met with reputational threats.
We won’t be silent just to stay safe. We believe all service providers—consultants, freelancers, lawyers, agencies, therapists—should not be afraid of the truth. Not every complaint is based on facts. Not every angry review reflects reality.
If you’re in this space long enough, it will happen to you too.
Our Commitment
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If we are wrong, we will say so.
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If we are right, we will stand tall—documents, timelines, and receipts in hand.
Our Message to the Community
To clients: be honest. Be direct. We will meet you there.
To businesses: don’t buy silence. Don’t trade the truth for five stars. Let your work speak.
To the former client: the door was open. It still is.
But threats will not be met with fear.
They will be met with facts.
— The ATLAS Team