Adam McIntyre, a YouTuber from Co Derry who holds an Irish passport, is speaking out after Reddit users reported him to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on the basis of false claims.
"Adam McIntyre has initiated a formal legal investigation in response to serious defamatory actions perpetrated by individuals associated with the subreddit known as r/AdamMcIntyreSnark," a July 7 post on McIntyre's Instagram page reads.
"It has come to our attention that members of this subreddit have knowingly submitted false and malicious reports to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), alleging fraudulent activity concerning Mr. McIntyre's
immigration status.
"These claims are entirely baseless and constitute both defamation and false reporting to federal authorities, which are offenses under U.S. law."
In a video shared on his YouTube channel on July 6, McIntyre explained the situation.
He said that since February, he's been in the US on and off for his 'Chronically Online' tour. He came to the US after applying for and receiving a temporary O-1 visa, which permits him to work in the country.
McIntyre said he applied for the work visa because he "didn't want to do anything wrong."
The visa, which he paid for, expires at the end of this month, and he said he will likely leave the US after his final show in New York City on July 11.
On January 30, he excitedly shared a picture of the O-1 visa on his X account:
LETS GOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! USA HERE I COMEEEEE BABY!!! SEE...
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