According to Avellone, on June 18, 2020, Barrows replied to a Twitter post from gaming website IGN promoting an interview with Avellone, which included his full name and photograph. In her post she called him a "sexual predator" and accused him of "preying on young women," and "getting them drunk & taking them to hotel rooms," along with other unprofessional behavior. She also claimed that he had misappropriated company funds and that he had been blacklisted from industry conventions.

She made further posts in the same vein through June 20, which went viral. Avellone adds that Barrows deleted all her posts that were complimentary towards him, including one that said she had never been abused or harassed at gaming conventions.

Avellone alleges numerous gaming studios that he worked with terminated his contracts as a result of the viral messages. He claims Barrows made allegations that she knew were false to hurt his reputation and damage his career. Avellone adds that Barrows' actions have inflicted severe emotional distress on him.

Avellone is seeking damages in excess of $75,000 plus court costs, attorney fees and any other relief the court deems proper. He also demands injunctive action requiring Barrows to retract all false and defamatory statements. He is represented in this case by attorneys with Palmersheim, Mathew, LLP in Chicago.