A Roblox YouTuber named Mathieo was tackled and removed from the company's 2026 Developers Conference in San Jose, California, after he ran onto the stage during an introduction by Roblox CEO David Baszucki.
Mathieo interrupted the proceedings, revealing a shirt that read "Kids deserve better" and shouting, "We deserve better, don't we deserve better." He later explained his actions in a YouTube video, stating his protest was directed at Roblox Corporation's policies, not the attendees.
"My issue isn't with the people. I just do believe that Roblox [Corporation] isn't as dumb as they say they are," Mathieo stated in the video. "Everybody's saying they don't want AI. Everybody's saying they don't want these faces messed up. Everybody wants better child safety."
He expressed concern that slow progress on these issues directly impacts children. "Every single slow year of progress is just another year where children are actually affected." Mathieo elaborated that appeals to the company have been ineffective over the years, leading to continued harm to minors on the platform while fixes are sought.
Roblox has faced ongoing criticism regarding its child safety measures. The platform has introduced child accounts and is under investigation by the US Senate. Furthermore, legislation such as the EU's Digital Services Act aims to compel Roblox Corporation to enhance its protections for minors.
Previous controversies have also drawn scrutiny, including an investment firm's description of the game as a "pedophile hellscape" and public statements by Baszucki that have been perceived as insensitive. In one instance, Baszucki suggested Roblox could become a dating hub, and in another, he referred to the issue of predators on Roblox as an "opportunity."
Baszucki initially downplayed the disruption during the conference, remarking, "We all get a little excited when RDC comes along, as we just saw." The incident was documented and shared online, with Mathieo confirming his ejection and detailing his motivations. The Roblox Corporation has been contacted for comment on the incident.