The future of the Dispo instant camera smartphone app now appears uncertain following the controversy surrounding David Dobrik and a rape allegation against a former member of the Vlog Squad. Dispo was an iOS app that had been gaining traction in recent months, but its initial buzz and popularity was in large part due to its association with the YouTuber. Here’s a recap on what’s happened so far and the issues Dispo now faces.
Dispo was previously called David’s Disposable and looks to offer users a way to capture disposable camera-like photos. However, the app recently went through a rebranding, as well as an interface change and a number of new features added. In addition, and although still only available on iPhone, the iOS app only very recently exited its beta status, allowing anyone with an iOS device to download and use the app without the need for an invite.
Last week an Insider report highlighted a rape allegation against former Vlog Squad member, Dominykas Zeglaitis, aka Durte Dom. According to the claims in the report, the victim was unable to provide consent after being provided with too much alcohol by Vlog Squad members. Following which, a video of the night, but not the incident, was uploaded to Dobrik’s YouTube channel. The video has since been removed and Dobrik recently uploaded another video to a separate channel on the topic of consent. While the “Let’s Talk” video does not specifically address the recent allegations, it does reference Joseth ‘Seth’ Francois, another former Vlog Squad member, who recently accused Dobrik of orchestrating an incident that Seth did not consent to, according to a BuzzFeed News report.
What’s Happening With Dispo Now?
With Dispo being so tightly associated with Dobrik, the app has found itself caught up in the fallout. Many of the App Store reviews in recent days include a one-star rating and directly reference Dobrik's involvement. Since then, Spark Capital has confirmed it has ended its relationship with Dispo over the allegations, and a report by The Information confirms Dobrik has now stepped away from Dispo in a hope that the distancing will allow the photo app to continue in the future. Dispo aside, Spark Capital is only one of the companies and brands that are understood to have cut ties with Dobrik, following the initial Insider report.
Where the app goes from here remains unclear. Even if it can distance itself enough from Dobrik and the allegations, part of the app’s appeal to begin with was Dobrik. The YouTuber had enjoyed a healthy supporter base and that alone was proving enough to drive app downloads. With Dobrik's involvement now a concern, but also one of the app’s previous main selling points for many users, Dispo is going to need to solely rely on its features to attract (and retain existing) users. The problem is, it remains unclear how many will find waiting for their photos to be developed enough of a reason to download the Dispo smartphone app.
Source: Insider, BuzzFeed News, The Information