A Guide for Classical Musicians Facing Online Threats, Harassment, and Cyberbullying

David Blumberg has a long, documented history of abusive, racist, and misogynistic behavior online that many musicians know about and have been subjected to. He was banned from the International Clarinet Association and multiple other clarinet-related events as a result.

Katherine Needleman had to file four separate peace orders against him, then take him to court after he repeatedly made threatening comments—including violent threats and disturbing remarks about wanting to physically harm her.

He currently runs a Facebook group called Clarinetists—and if you have students or kids in music, please be aware and take precautions.

This isn’t just a case of someone being rude online. This is targeted abuse, threats, and stalking that crossed into criminal territory, and he continues to do this to both men and women.

In light of the recent news about David Blumberg’s continued online threats towards Thomas Piercy (and other musicians), and the attempted Reddit smear campaign of Rebecca Bryant Novak, I created a guide on cyberbullying that I hope will help others.

Whether you're receiving threatening messages, being doxxed, impersonated, or targeted by smear campaigns, it's important to know your rights, what actions you can take, and how to protect yourself. Whether you're a student, freelancer, full-time performer, arts administrator, music professor, or a parent of a music student — knowing your rights and taking proactive steps can help you stay safe and hold abusers accountable.

I. Key Terminology to Understand

Understanding the terms used in online abuse cases can help you navigate reporting, legal support, and advocacy. To see a full list of terminology, read Pen America's glossary.

Cyberbullying – Repeated, aggressive online behavior meant to intimidate, shame, or harm.

Cyberstalking or Targeted Surveillance – Ongoing online surveillance or harassment that causes fear for personal safety. Often includes threats.

Doxxing (or doxing) – Publishing someone’s private information (like home address, phone number, etc.) online without their consent.

Grooming – Building an emotional connection with a child or vulnerable person to gain their trust for sexual abuse or exploitation.

Trolling – Intentionally posting inflammatory or offensive content to elicit a reaction.

Online Harassment – A broad term encompassing any unwanted, aggressive behavior that occurs through digital means—emails, social media, forums, etc.

Hate Speech – Online content that attacks or demeans a group based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc.

Revenge Porn (Non-consensual Intimate Imagery) – Sharing private sexual images or videos without consent. Defamation – Spreading false information that harms someone's reputation

Impersonation – Falsely posing as someone else online to damage their reputation or trick others.

Swatting – Calling emergency services to falsely report a crime at someone’s location, often resulting in a SWAT response.

II. Forms of Online Abuse

• Threatening violence or harm (direct or implied)

• Doxxing or leaking private information

• Impersonation or fake accounts

• Sending unwanted explicit content (sextortion, image-based abuse)

• Smear campaigns or character assassination

• Online Scams aiming to stealing personal information, money, or other assets

• Harassment through anonymous group mobs, also known as dog-piling. (ex. Reddit)

• Blackmail and coercion

• Cyberbullying in professional settings (LinkedIn, group chats, academic forums)

III. Immediate Steps You Can Take

Prioritize Your Safety

• If you're being physically threatened or stalked, call emergency services immediately.

• Remove personal info (address, phone, school, employer) from public profiles.

• Let a trusted friend or colleague know what’s happening.

Preserve the Evidence

• Take screenshots (include usernames, timestamps, URLs).

• Save emails, DMs, posts, and comments.

• Keep a timeline of incidents, especially if threats escalate.

Block and Report the Offender

• Use the platform's tools to block the user.

• Report the abuse through official channels:

  • Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok, YouTube, Reddit, etc. all have abuse reporting features.

  • Report impersonation, hate speech, harassment, threats.

Enhance Your Digital Security

• Change passwords (use strong, unique ones).

• Enable two-factor authentication.

• Review and restrict app and device permissions.

• Google yourself and remove personal data from data brokers.

IV. Where to Report or Get Help

Support Organizations

• The Cybersmile Foundation (U.K. and U.S.) – Offers 24/7 global support for victims of cyberbullying and online abuse. Website: www.cybersmile.org
  

• Crash Override Network (U.S.) – A crisis helpline and expert support network for severe harassment cases like swatting, doxxing, and stalker behavior. Website: crashoverridenetwork.com
  

• Right to Be (formerly Hollaback!) (U.S.-based, global reach) – Provides bystander intervention training, emotional support, and its platform HeartMob for documenting and responding to online harassment. Website: www.righttobe.org
  

• Access Now (Global) – Provides a Digital Security Helpline with expert guidance for those under online threat. Website: www.accessnow.org/help
  

• Digital Rights Foundation (Pakistan) – Offers legal advice, a cyber-harassment helpline, and policy advocacy for women and marginalized groups. Website: www.digitalrightsfoundation.pk
  

• HateAid (Germany) – Specializes in supporting victims of online hate with legal counseling, representation, and financial assistance for lawsuits. Website: www.hateaid.org
  

• Pen America (U.S.) – Hosts an Online Harassment Field Manual with extensive tools and contacts. Website: onlineharassmentfieldmanual.pen.org
  

• Cyber Civil Rights Initiative (CCRI) (U.S.) – Provides legal information, support services, and advocacy for victims of non-consensual pornography and image-based abuse. Website: www.cybercivilrights.org
  

• Trans Lifeline (U.S. and Canada) – A peer-led crisis hotline for trans people, particularly effective if abuse is related to gender identity. Website: www.translifeline.org
  

• Kidpower (U.S.-based, international programs) – Provides safety education and anti-bullying workshops for youth and adults. Website: www.kidpower.org
  

• Ditch the Label (U.K.) – A global anti-bullying charity offering resources and real-time help for teens. Website: www.ditchthelabel.org
  

• Women’s Media Center – Speech Project (U.S.) – Offers resources and advocacy for women facing online violence. Website: www.womensmediacenter.com/speech-project

Government & Law Enforcement Reporting

• U.S. Department of Justice (U.S.) – Includes sections on cyberstalking, revenge porn, and computer crime. Website: www.justice.gov
  

• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) (U.S.) – Report cybercrime. Website: www.ic3.gov
  

• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children – CyberTipline (U.S.) – For reporting threats or abuse involving minors. Website: www.cybertipline.org
  

• Local Police Departments (Varies by country) – In most jurisdictions, you can file a police report for threats, stalking, impersonation, blackmail, or non-consensual image sharing.

V. Legal Protections and Possible Charges

Online harassment can result in both criminal and civil legal consequences. Below are some of the most common avenues for legal recourse:

Harassment or Cyberstalking Charges Criminal laws in most U.S. states and many countries make it illegal to repeatedly send messages intended to alarm or threaten someone. In many jurisdictions, cyberstalking includes persistent unwanted contact and threatening language that causes emotional distress or fear.

Restraining or Protective Orders Victims can often request a civil restraining order or peace bond in court, even if criminal charges haven't been filed. Violating these orders can result in arrest or additional penalties.

Defamation (Libel or Slander) If someone spreads false information online that harms your reputation, you may have grounds for a civil lawsuit. Libel applies to written statements; slander refers to spoken statements.

Computer Crime and Cybercrime Laws Charges may include unauthorized access to your accounts, hacking, identity theft, or impersonation. In the U.S., the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) governs many of these cases.

Revenge Porn and Non-consensual Intimate Imagery Laws It is a criminal offense in many states and countries to share explicit photos without consent. Victims can often sue in civil court as well for emotional damages.

Civil Lawsuits You may be able to sue your harasser for intentional infliction of emotional distress, harassment, loss of income, and related damages. Documentation and a clear pattern of abuse are key.

Workplace Harassment & Discrimination Protections If online abuse occurs in a work or professional context, you may have protections under labor or civil rights laws. Employers have a duty to provide a safe environment—including online spaces.

VI. For Parents, Educators, and Employers

Parents: Talk to your child regularly about their online life. Use device privacy settings, parental controls, and monitoring tools. Encourage them to document bullying and come to you without fear.

Educators: Review your school’s cyberbullying policies. Designate a safe space or counselor for reporting. Teach digital citizenship and online ethics.

Employers/Freelancers: Implement anti-harassment clauses in digital contracts. Encourage staff to report online abuse, even if it happens off-platform. Keep logs of all harassment and report through proper HR or platform channels.

One last note: For those who are facing online bullying, harassment, retaliation, or threats....know you are not overreacting. Whether it's a single disturbing message or a coordinated attack, you have every right to defend yourself, document the abuse, and demand accountability. There is power in community, support, and documentation. You are not alone. Reach out, speak up, and protect your digital space. (c) Katie A. Berglof, 2025