Have a Seat, Roblox: 'To Catch a Predator' Host Chris Hansen Rumored to be Investigating the Platform

In what might be the most spectacular own-goal of the year, Roblox may have a new, very famous problem on its hands. Rumors are swirling that Chris Hansen, the man who made "why don't you have a seat right there" a terrifying catchphrase for a generation of predators, is getting involved in a documentary investigating the platform's deep-seated child safety issues.

Banning the Babysitter

This whole mess kicked into high gear after Roblox made the genius decision to ban "Schlep," a well-known vigilante who spent his time exposing predatory users and games on the platform. Instead of solving their problem, the ban ignited a global firestorm, highlighting the platform's safety failures and leading to lawsuits in the US and outright bans in some countries. They tried to sweep the problem under the rug, and now the rug is on fire. According to a recent post, Hansen has reached out to the now-banned Schlep, suggesting a collaboration is in the works.

A Dating App for Kids? Seriously?

While the platform is facing an international crisis over child safety, let's not forget the galaxy-brained idea from the company's CEO to reportedly add a dating app to the game. Yes, a dating app for a platform whose primary demographic is, and always has been, children. The tone-deafness is staggering. It’s like seeing a house engulfed in flames and suggesting everyone gather 'round to roast marshmallows.

A PR Nightmare of Their Own Making

If these rumors are true, Roblox is in for a world of hurt. Banning the person who was doing your moderation for you was a bad look. Having your CEO float ideas for a kids' dating app while the platform burns is even worse. But attracting the attention of Chris Hansen? That’s a potential PR catastrophe of your own making. It looks like someone at Roblox headquarters might be asked to have a seat very, very soon.