Michael Benz has emerged as a prominent voice in conservative circles, particularly known for his staunch criticism of government and social media censorship. His work, cited in congressional hearings and even promoted by Elon Musk, positions him as a key figure in the ongoing debate about online freedom of speech. However, a recent investigation has brought to light a controversial past that casts a shadow over his current persona. This article delves into the unfolding story of Michael Benz, exploring his rise to prominence and the revelations about his activities under the pseudonym “Frame Game.”
The Rise of Michael Benz: From Government Official to Censorship Critic
In recent years, Michael Benz has become a go-to commentator for Republicans concerned about what they perceive as overreach by government and social media platforms in moderating online content. His background includes stints in government, notably at the State Department, lending him an air of authority in discussions about policy and online regulation. Benz leads the Foundation for Freedom Online, an organization dedicated to advocating for free speech online. His expertise has been sought after in numerous news reports, and his insights have been incorporated into reports and testimonies presented before the House Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government and the Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs. Benz has also been a vocal amplifier of the “Twitter Files,” framing the internal discussions about content moderation as evidence of conspiracies and maligning researchers and institutions involved in disinformation studies. His critiques resonate with a broad right-wing audience concerned about censorship and perceived biases in online platforms.
Elon Musk himself has engaged with Benz’s commentary, further amplifying his reach and influence within the online sphere. Benz has been featured across various conservative media outlets, solidifying his position as a leading voice in the anti-censorship movement.
The “Frame Game” Revelation: Unmasking Benz’s Alt-Right Past
Despite his current focus on combating censorship, an investigation by NBC News uncovered a hidden chapter in Michael Benz’s past. Evidence suggests that before his government service and punditry career, Benz was allegedly the pseudonymous alt-right content creator known as “Frame Game.” This online persona operated during the rise of the alt-right movement following Donald Trump’s election, creating videos, participating in podcasts, and engaging in livestreams. “Frame Game” deliberately concealed his face, but his content promoted far-right narratives, including the “Great Replacement Theory,” a racist conspiracy theory claiming that white people are being systematically replaced for political and economic gain.
“Frame Game’s” content went further, expressing white identitarian views, denouncing diversity, and creating videos urging white viewers to unite based on race. Disturbingly, in interviews with white nationalists, “Frame Game” blamed Jewish people for “controlling the media” and for the perceived decline of the white race. In one video, he asserted that without “Jewish influence,” white people would not face the “threat of white genocide.”
These postings ceased around 2018, coinciding with Benz’s entry into government service. While Michael Benz in his public life has not expressed the same overtly racist views as “Frame Game,” the unearthed content raises serious questions about the consistency of his beliefs and the nature of his current advocacy.
Unmasking “Frame Game”: Evidence Linking Benz
“Frame Game” took measures to hide his identity, but several inadvertent slips during livestreams exposed his anonymity. In one instance, a website displayed a Facebook profile picture automatically, seemingly showing Benz with his then-wife.
Benz’s voice also bears a striking resemblance to “Frame Game’s.” Comparisons between clips from “Frame Game” videos and videos posted by Benz on X (formerly Twitter) reveal notable similarities.
Further digital breadcrumbs emerged from “Frame Game’s” online activity. While toggling between browser windows in videos, the username “Mike” was visible. In another instance, a profile page showed him logged in as “Michael.” In one revealing moment, “Mike” appeared in a browser window alongside another window logged into Twitter, displaying “Frame Game’s” avatar.
A screenshot of a browser window showing the display name
A browser capture from a 2020 Frame Game video reveals the profile display name “Michael,” obtained by NBC News, suggesting a link to Michael Benz.
Beyond these technical slips, biographical details shared by “Frame Game” in podcasts and social media mirrored information found in Michael Benz’s public records and archived social media profiles. “Frame Game” mentioned being a Jewish attorney in New York City and a magna cum laude psychology graduate from an Ivy League college. These details align with Benz’s archived LinkedIn profile, which stated he graduated magna cum laude in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania.
Adding to the evidence, an acquaintance of Benz reportedly told NBC News that Benz had admitted to publishing online under the “Frame Game” pseudonym.
When contacted by NBC News, Benz declined to comment on his past writings as “Frame Game.” However, hours after the initial report, Benz released a lengthy statement confirming his connection to the “Frame Game” account.
Benz’s Defense: A “Project” to Combat Antisemitism
In his statement, Michael Benz claimed that the “Frame Game” account was a “project by Jews to get people who hated Jews to stop hating Jews.” He asserted he was “extremely proud” of this purported effort. This explanation has been met with skepticism and scrutiny, given the overtly racist and antisemitic content promoted by “Frame Game.”
Reactions and Implications
The revelations about Michael Benz’s “Frame Game” persona have sparked significant controversy and debate. While some of his supporters may accept his explanation, others are likely to view his past actions as deeply problematic and contradictory to his current stance as a defender of free speech.
Experts on extremism have expressed concern about the normalization of figures with extremist pasts in mainstream political discourse. Nora Benavidez of Free Press warned that the “slow normalization of extremist figures” pushes public discourse further to the right and embeds extremist tactics into institutions.
Elon Musk, who previously amplified Benz’s views, has not yet publicly commented on the “Frame Game” revelations. The unfolding story raises questions about the vetting processes of individuals who become prominent voices in public discourse, particularly in the context of online censorship and freedom of speech debates. It also highlights the complexities of online identity and the potential for individuals to compartmentalize different aspects of their public and private personas.
Conclusion: Navigating the Complex Narrative of Mike Benz
The case of Michael Benz and “Frame Game” presents a complex and challenging narrative. While Benz has positioned himself as a defender of free speech and a critic of censorship, his alleged past as an alt-right content creator promoting racist and antisemitic views casts a long shadow over his current credibility. His explanation of “Frame Game” as an anti-antisemitism project remains highly contested and unconvincing to many.
As the story continues to unfold, it is crucial to critically examine the backgrounds and motivations of individuals who shape public discourse, especially in the increasingly polarized online environment. The “Mike Benz Wiki” – the evolving public understanding of who Michael Benz is – is now inextricably linked to the “Frame Game” controversy, demanding careful consideration of the implications for the ongoing debates about online freedom, censorship, and the normalization of extremist views.
