With over 14 million subscribers on YouTube, Airrack (aka Eric Decker) has become one of the platform’s most popular creators. However, despite his wholesome image, allegations have emerged that much of Airrack’s content is staged or even completely fabricated.
This article will analyze some of Airrack ’s most popular videos that have come under scrutiny, highlighting lies, false advertising, and more.
Cycling Across 38 Miles of Ice to “Help” a Small Town
One of Airrack ’s most viewed videos shows him cycling over 38 miles of ice to reach a remote town in Minnesota called The Angle. He claimed he was raising money to support the residents, who had become isolated due to COVID-19 border closures:
“Our goal is to somehow get to the Angle and spend the most amount of money…empty my bank account type of money. I mean shower them in cash dude, all 17 of them.”
However, clues throughout the video cast doubt on its authenticity
- Airrack’s accommodation is revealed to be 40 miles away from The Angle at Sportsman’s Lodge resort.
- A local at the “resort” says to Airrack: “You’re sticking out like a sore thumb…nobody from LA comes to Sportsman’s.”
- Much of what is shown is part of the Sportsman’s Lodge resort complex.
As one commentator concluded
“Ultimately Airrack ’s videos on The Angle were a quick cash grab in disguise of a noble and charitable mission.”
Faking a Flight to The Angle and Doxxing the Pilot
In the second video in the series, arak arranges a flight to finally reach The Angle, including sensitive details about the anonymous pilot. However, not only is the location still not The Angle:
“They keep trash-talking the pilot for some reason and just bullying him…according to my insider this clip of the pilot getting angry is completely altered.”
Arak reportedly faked multiple voice elements to falsely disparage the pilot who agreed to fly them. Doxxing someone to an audience of millions could have serious consequences.
Lying About Crossing America in a Straight Line
Another series by Airrack involves him attempting to walk across the entire US in a “perfectly straight line.” To prove it was real, he included a route map link showing a complex path through obstacles.
But once again, the videos are manipulated
“This daycare over here? Well, this daycare is at the start of his route and he’s driving down this road on the line but now in the next shot…he’s already 20 miles off the line.”
The analysis also revealed the use of photoshopped maps with upside-down forest screenshots to invent fake barriers along the way.
False Advertising and Merch Scams
Aggressive merchandising fuels Airrack’s content machine – often with hard sales tactics pressuring viewers to buy limited edition products.
But in some cases, the merch fails to live up to what was promised, amounting to false advertising:
“Everybody got the number one on their sleeve and I guess the Airrack Mafia is now the Airrack Nafia because they couldn’t even get the packaging correct…where I’m from we call that false advertising and that’s illegal.”
An Extensive History of Fakery
Finally, some claim Airrack used to make more authentic content when he first started – like his popular “sneaking into festivals” videos. But inside information reveals even his earliest videos were staged:
“Multiple times they accidentally displayed their entry wristbands – meaning they paid for the ticket before entering and staged the entire sneaking in part.”
So in summary, mounting evidence points to a consistent record of deception by Airrack to build his popularity on YouTube. He may retain his millions of followers, but his reputation for integrity has suffered significant damage.
FAQ About Airrack and His Videos
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Airrack and the allegations against him.
Why would Airrack fake his videos?
The main incentive seems to be financial – sensational and “virality-optimized” content attracts more viewers, allowing Airrack to make more money through ads, sponsors, and merchandising.
What techniques does he use to fake videos?
Multiple methods like manipulated editing, voiceovers, paid actors, fabricated maps, stock footage cutaways, and more. Some videos also use outright lies in on-camera dialog.
Has Airrack admitted to any of this?
He has not admitted outright fakery, but he disabled comments on his videos after the uproar began. He also rapidly deleted 28 million views’ worth of content as criticism spread.
Could Airrack face any consequences for fake videos?
Potentially yes – the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) prohibits deceptive practices and false advertising by influencers. If merch buyers or sponsors took legal action, he could face financial penalties.
What should the response be to creators like Airrack?
Viewers should apply critical thinking when watching viral content, looking for possible exaggerations or manipulations. Makers should focus on authenticity over sensationalism, and sponsors should scrutinize creators’ integrity closely.
The revelations about Airrack’s videos highlight important questions about trust and ethics in the YouTube influencer ecosystem. As online entertainment grows more popular – and profitable – standards need to be established to prevent deception and fraud. Ultimately, the creators that thrive long-term will be those that offer not just engaging content, but genuine authenticity.