In a developing story that has sent ripples through the gaming industry, Leslie Benzies, the former Rockstar North CEO and current co-CEO of Build a Rocket Boy (BARB), has stepped forward to address serious allegations. Benzies has categorically denied any involvement with Jeffrey Epstein following the surfacing of his name in documents related to the late billionaire. In an exclusive statement shared with the industry, Benzies asserted that “these allegations are false,” marking a firm stand against the claims that have recently circulated online.
Leslie Benzies Clarifies the Epstein File Mentions
The controversy stems from an email found within the Epstein files involving an unnamed party. Benzies has been proactive in his defense, providing context to the mention. He clarified that while he had a brief, consensual relationship with the individual mentioned in the files years ago, he has no connection to Epstein himself. “I have never met Jeffrey Epstein, nor have I ever visited his island, his properties, or traveled on his plane,” Benzies stated, emphasizing that any suggestion to the contrary is a gross misrepresentation of the facts.
Build a Rocket Boy Issues Cease and Desist
The situation escalated quickly when Mark Gerhard, co-CEO of Build a Rocket Boy, issued a formal cease and desist demand to a YouTuber known as Cyber Boi. The timing of this legal move has raised eyebrows across the tech community. Minutes after Cyber Boi released a video discussing the Benzies mention in the Epstein files, Gerhard posted a stern warning on the MindsEye Discord server.
While the video highlighted the Epstein connection, Gerhard’s demand focused on the alleged leaking of confidential studio information. He expressed deep disappointment, suggesting that certain BARB employees might be “betraying their colleagues” by leaking internal data. The demand was explicit: an immediate halt to all activities involving the dissemination of BARB’s confidential information and an end to what Gerhard described as “media manipulation and espionage.”
| Entity/Individual | Role | Status of Allegation/Action |
|---|---|---|
| Leslie Benzies | Co-CEO, Build a Rocket Boy | Categorically denied all Epstein-related allegations. |
| Mark Gerhard | Co-CEO, Build a Rocket Boy | Issued formal cease and desist for alleged data leaks. |
| Cyber Boi | YouTuber/Content Creator | Video removed following legal threats from BARB. |
| MindsEye | Upcoming Action-Adventure Game | Subject of previous “sabotage” claims by leadership. |
A Pattern of Reported Sabotage
At Digital Tech Explorer, we have been following the development of MindsEye closely. This isn’t the first time the studio’s leadership has claimed to be under attack. Back in May 2025, Gerhard alleged there was a “concerted effort” to derail the game’s release through bot farms and negative comment campaigns. While some industry insiders speculated these comments were directed at former associates at Rockstar Games, no specific company was ever named.
The current legal friction with Cyber Boi adds another chapter to this narrative of corporate defense. The YouTuber has since removed the video in question, citing the overwhelming pressure of potential legal action. This incident highlights the growing tension between independent content creators and large-scale game developers regarding “leaked” information and public record reporting.
Our Editorial Perspective
It is crucial to note that the documents referencing Leslie Benzies are part of the public record, accessible via the US Department of Justice website. However, after a thorough review by our research team, Digital Tech Explorer has found no evidence to substantiate Gerhard’s specific claims of “criminal espionage” against the content creator. While the timing of the cease and desist is notable, it remains linked to the studio’s internal claims of data theft rather than the contents of the Epstein files themselves.
As we continue to track the journey of MindsEye and the evolution of Build a Rocket Boy, we remain committed to transparency and providing our readers with the most accurate tech news. For more insights into digital innovation and the business of gaming, stay tuned to Digital Tech Explorer.
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