LinusTechTips (LTT) took to the WAN Show, its weekly live broadcast, to address claims made in a recent exposé by YouTuber MegaLag about the coupon extension Honey. The video accused Honey of altering affiliate links, forming questionable business partnerships, and ultimately shortchanging creators while offering users subpar deals. Linus used the opportunity to push back against claims that he deliberately concealed information about why LTT cut ties with the company.
MegaLag’s allegations against Honey are serious, though they remain unaddressed by the company and have not been subjected to any formal investigation. According to Linus, Honey’s practices of replacing affiliate links were known among creators and were the reason why LTT severed ties with the company years ago. However, Linus disputed the notion that he intentionally kept this information from the public, emphasizing that others in the creator community were aware of these practices as well.
LinusTechTips Response
During the stream, Linus acknowledged MegaLag’s research and praised the YouTuber for compiling a detailed video. However, he firmly stated that LTT’s decision to part ways with Honey was not a hidden agenda but a well-documented event:
“MegaLag did reach out to us for comment, and my general position on it was, ‘Yeah, we dropped these guys three years ago… All the affiliate ripping stuff, everything we know about, came out years ago.’”
Linus explained that after Honey refused to address the affiliate code issue during discussions, LTT ended its sponsorship. While LTT was aware of the affiliate-link manipulation, Linus claimed that the allegations in MegaLag’s video about Honey prioritizing its own profits over user deals were new to him.
“If we’d known about any of the more end-user-centric issues discussed in MegaLag’s video… we very probably would have raised more alarm bells,” Linus stated.
Pushback on Public Criticism
Linus also addressed the portrayal of LTT as Honey’s most prominent supporter, arguing that other major creators like MrBeast had worked with the company during the same period. When confronted by a viewer who implied LTT was primarily responsible for promoting Honey, Linus retorted sharply, expressing frustration over what he perceived as undue scrutiny.
“This situation’s bizarre, dude. I am a victim here,” Linus said, highlighting the financial impact Honey’s practices had on LTT, which relied heavily on affiliate revenue.
Co-host Luke chimed in, explaining that LTT was not in a position to expose Honey’s user-related issues since their knowledge was limited to how the practices affected creators. He maintained that MegaLag’s video brought to light new dimensions of Honey’s alleged misconduct.
As of now, Honey has yet to respond to the allegations or MegaLag’s exposé. Meanwhile, MegaLag has not addressed Linus’ rebuttal. The situation marks another controversial chapter for LinusTechTips, following the Gamer’s Nexus controversy in 2023, which led to significant internal changes within the company.
For now, Linus continues to assert that LTT acted responsibly, but the drama underscores the complexities of balancing transparency and accountability in the creator economy.