A prominent Canberra events promoter and his family have been threatened and a social media "hate group" formed in the wake of the disastrous collapse of the Crusty Demons national motorcycle stunt show.
A public relations spokesperson for the Crusty Demons tour and Matt Mahoney, the founding director of the Canberra-based Complete Events Group, said concerns about personal security had led to the national tour's cancellation.
Mr Mahoney could not be contacted for comment but it was confirmed that the Complete Events Group had ceased trading.
The Canberra office of auditors and consultants RSM Australia Partners were reported to be managing this process and creditor claims but when contacted directly, refused to provide any comment.
RSM Australia Partners would only provide a phone number for the Complete Events Group, which was repeatedly unanswered and went to a message service.
Crusty Demons fans around the country are in uproar about the cancellation of the final leg of the Australian "Rise of the Demons" tour. Canberra had been part of the tour, with a November 9 date at GIO Stadium, but it was one of dates cancelled "due to unforeseen circumstances".
The global franchise is hugely popular and brings in millions of dollars worldwide.
The tour, which involves 15 motorcycle stunt riders performing high-risk jumps and actions supported by complex lighting, music and choreography, had started in Sydney on August 10.
However, the Sydney show had to be shut down early because high winds made the stunts too risky and this led to many fans expressing their anger on social media.
The tour continued but the last four shows, including Canberra and the finale at Campbelltown Stadium, were then cancelled.
"There were a number of disgruntled people who vented their views on social media and it became abusive and very nasty [and] directed toward Matt [Mahoney] and his former partner and child," the spokesperson said.
"The matter was handed over to the [NSW] police who have advised us not to comment further as it is under investigation".
NSW police have confirmed they are investigating.
The group's spokesperson said that the administrators would seek to ensure "everyone's tickets were refunded and everyone who is owed money from the tour would get paid out", although this cannot be verified by the administrators.
Some ticketing companies provided immediate refunds but others have not, claiming responsibility for refunds rests directly with the promoter.
