@SereneDreamer: If you still think Troy's wrong, then it's obvious you're missing a few brain cells. You wouldn't blame a bookie for making money off the loss of your favorite team. Sure, Troy made money, but at least he's giving back to charity instead of hoarding it. Most of you have no idea how much $4 billion actually is. No other billionaire has ever made such a generous donation. This will probably go in the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest donation ever.
@NovaKnight: Love him, hate him, but you can't ignore him. Troy has once again done something no billionaire has ever done. Hats off to you, man. Sorry for doubting you earlier.
@PatAttack: It's a shame people started vilifying a perfectly good man who just happened to make some money. This shows how much negativity there is in the world that everyone banded together to bring down a teenager.
@Lucy_12: I had no idea how the markets worked (still a little confused about the MBS part), but now I know Troy's innocent of everything people have been accusing him of.
@ProfDan: I'm a professor at NYU, and I'm definitely showing this video to my students in all my future classes. This should be mandatory in Econ 101.
@LoneTravis: Finally, someone actually explaining the 2008 crash in plain English. I didn't even like Troy before this, but damn… that was good. Now I know exactly whom to blame for this mess: our illustrious leaders.
@SimplestGuy: Okay, sure, he donated a massive amount of money, but you can't forget that's not even 10% of his net worth.
@QuantumFox: @SimplestGuy, have you donated even 5% of your net worth? Have your parents? Anyone you know personally? No? Then stop being a jealous little bitch and mind your own business. You sound like the whiny little brat whose Daddy didn't get him the toy he wanted.
@CouchEconomist: Troy: explains systemic greed in 15 minutes.
Meanwhile Politicians: "create anarchy" 🤡
@LunaBliss: I just read about the "carried interest loophole," and I'm beyond pissed. I pay more than 30% in taxes, and these rich assholes only pay 15?! That's preposterous. Today, I lost faith in our government. We need more people like Troy to expose them.
@TinFoilHatExpert: My dad worked at Lehman, and he says Troy's video was 100% accurate. It's a shame the stupid politicians in our country would rather point fingers than accept blame. This mess happened because people in power did nothing to stop it. Now Bush is leaving office in a few months and handing his successor a broken economy.
@CapitalCritic: After watching Troy's video, I realized that the world economy is doomed. And I'm not even American. The world trade system relies so heavily on the USD that we'll all suffer just because a few American banks got greedy. This should be brought up in the ICJ.
@TroyScarlettForever: I always knew Troy was not at fault, so I won't say "I told you so." Instead, I'll focus on the song he released afterwards, "Unstoppable." It's ridiculously catchy. Also, did you guys know the one-month free YouTube subscription Troy gave everyone who watched his video also includes a free month of Spotify and Netflix? It's been a day, and I don't think I can live without it.
@SimplestGuy: WTF! For real? I'm watching it again, this time till the end.
@FireStarter12: "Unstoppable" was soooo good. I had it on repeat during my workout, and I haven't trained this well in months.
(Break)
The television screen flickered with a live news broadcast, cycling through a series of celebrity statements about Troy Armitage.
The first clip showed Toni Collette, seated in a softly lit interview room. A microphone peeked in from the corner of the frame as she spoke earnestly. "I have worked with thousands of actors over my life, yet there is no one like Troy Armitage. He is the most generous, caring, and fun-loving person. Sure, he made a lot of money, but he doesn't deserve this treatment. If I get a chance, I'll work again with him in a heartbeat."
The screen shifted to Taylor Swift, filmed backstage at what looked like a rehearsal venue, cables and instruments scattered behind her. She smiled faintly before speaking. "He's like the older brother that I always wanted. You'd think the person who has achieved as much as he has would be more relaxed about his work, but Troy is the hardest-working person ever. If he's the richest today, it's because he worked hard for it. Everyone is seeing just the rewards, not the years of hard work he probably put into learning the markets."
Next came Bruce Willis, seated casually in a chair on a film set with a coffee cup in hand. "I think it's just a stupid controversy that became big only because everyone else is jealous. I have known Troy since he was nine, and even then I could see how big of a genius he was." He looked directly into the lens, leaning forward slightly. "By the way, Troy, if you're seeing this, ignore all the stupidity in the world, and stay safe from lunatics."
The video cut to Michael B. Jordan, standing outside a film set with trailers in the background. "I can't believe that anyone would doubt my homie for manipulating markets. He's the best. I mean, if you just meet him once, he'll probably remember you forever. No other superstar I have worked with ever stopped to talk to small-time actors or extras on set, but he does, because he's a badass mofo."
Jamie Bell appeared next, his brows drawn into a frown as he sat at what looked like a press junket table. "There's nothing in the world that Troy could do that would make me doubt him. He's simply the best. I was such an arse to him when we met the first time, and despite being a big star already, he never once held it against me. So when they say he did something bad, I say, you're wrong, because Troy can't."
Emma Watson's clip was more subdued. She sat in a quiet corner of what appeared to be a London café, a steaming mug beside her. "Troy is one of my best friends, and it is very unfortunate that someone would try to attack him like that. He doesn't deserve all this hatred. Troy is the most giving person out there. Those who know him, know that."
Jim Gianopulos, CEO of 20th Century Fox, was filmed in an office setting, a skyline view visible through the window behind him. He adjusted his tie before speaking. "I have known Troy for a few years, and he's the most talented young actor I have ever seen. This is just a minor hiccup blown way out of proportion. I fully believe he'll come out of it stronger than ever."
Finally, Leonardo DiCaprio appeared, standing on a red carpet with flashing cameras surrounding him. He nodded thoughtfully before saying, "I haven't worked with Troy, but I would love to. He's just sooo good. I saw his video on YouTube, and I can say for sure that he didn't do anything wrong. People just need to calm down a bit before doing anything rash."
But that was not all, over multiple days, different celebrities, including Troy's other ex-costars, friends, or even unrelated people, spoke on his behalf. Not a single person spoke against him for one simple reason: He was a billionaire producer in Hollywood, who was working on multiple projects. It would be stupid not to side with him when he hadn't committed a crime.
(Break)
"Please welcome Senator Clarissa Maynard," Rhea Gardner, a poised news anchor at Fox News, addressed the woman seated beside her at the panel table. The set was sleek and polished under bright studio lights, with several other guests present, including Rhea's co-host Michael, Maynard's political rival Monica Burris, and Dr. Tyler Rosenbaum, a prominent economist.
"Thank you for having me here, Rhea," Maynard greeted warmly, her expression composed.
Rhea wasted no time. "Senator, a tweet of yours has been going viral for all the wrong reasons. In it, you appear to be asking people to 'create anarchy.' Can you please clarify what you meant by that?"
Maynard's posture remained steady, her voice calm. "We live in a civilized society, so it's obvious that by anarchy, I meant intellectual anarchy. I wanted people to ask their government questions about the state of our economy."
Michael leaned forward, his tone more direct. "Just the economy? Because from what I recall, you didn't use the word 'economy' even once. But you did call out Troy Armitage three times, labeling his actions deplorable and abhorrent, and even calling for a boycott against him. Then, the very next day, Troy is almost attacked in his home by an armed man. I think you owe him an apology at the very least, because he seems to be aware of your tweet."
Before Maynard could respond, Michael played a clip from Troy's YouTube video in which Troy referred to politicians like her as "incompetent assholes."
Rhea pressed her lips together to stop herself from laughing at Michael's move, aware of the tension it brought to the live broadcast. She composed herself and, when the clip ended, spoke again. "If you were just presenting your views about the economy, why did you delete the tweet?"
"People were taking my tweet out of context," Maynard replied, a hint of strain creeping into her voice. "Like you two are. I deleted it because, while I don't like the actions of the young man, he didn't deserve violence."
"But you said, and I quote, 'Raise your voices against unchecked capitalism until billionaires start fearing the retribution of the common people,'" Michael interjected, reading from a printed copy in front of him.
Maynard opened her mouth, then closed it with an audible click of her teeth. "So that's how it's going to be? An ambush? I didn't come here to get insulted like this on live TV."
Without another word, she stood, removed her microphone, and stormed out of the studio, the camera catching her back as she disappeared through the stage exit.
Rhea turned to another guest at the table, as if that didn't just happen. "Dr. Tyler Rosenbaum, you're a top economist working with Bloomberg. What do you think of the whole Troy Armitage saga? Do you believe he was in any way responsible for the crash?"
"Not at all," Rosenbaum said instantly, his voice steady. "If you have watched his video, you will realize how accurate he is about the economy and the financial crisis we are facing. The truth is, the economy would have fallen regardless of whether Mr. Armitage shorted it. The only major difference is that if it wasn't him, someone else would have made that money."
Michael gave a brief nod, then looked to the final guest. "What about you, Ms. Burris?"
Monica Burris, Maynard's political rival and a former election opponent, met the camera's gaze with seriousness. "I, for one, think it is better that it was Troy who earned all that money. At least he is donating a good portion of it here in the United States rather than hoarding it for himself. How much have any of the other big billionaires donated to American-based charities? Too many of them look abroad, to Africa, the Middle East, or Asia, but they forget that charity begins at home. For that alone, I salute you, Mr. Armitage."
(Break)
"Your move worked," I told Dad as the three of us sat in my living room, watching television. On-screen, a heated debate about me was playing out. "Who would have thought getting Gianopulos to work with us on this would go so smoothly?"
"That's the power of the media, son," Dad said, his tone carrying the weight of experience. "They are the most powerful organization in the world, and most people do not even realize it."
His words made me pause. He was right. Without Fox stepping in to defend me, even at the cost of alienating that awful woman, I would still be public enemy number one. The network's decision to interview so many of my former co-stars also helped immensely. Even people I had never worked with, like Leo, had gone on record in my favor after my YouTube video.
Now more than ever, I wanted a news channel of my own. The ability to control the narrative was no longer just a desire; it felt like a necessity if something like that happened again in the future.
"They will likely call you over for a congressional hearing," Dad remarked casually as he reached for the remote and switched off the TV.
"I am not going," I said honestly. "At least not voluntarily. As much as I'd love to humiliate those good-for-nothing politicians in front of the world, I have better things to do. If they have questions, they can either come here or charge me with a crime if they want me there."
"Troy, I don't think you understand the situation you're in," Dad muttered, his voice slowing with concern. "This is serious."
Before I could respond, Mum spoke firmly. "I don't think Troy should go either. He is not safe there. His video and the Fox coverage might have calmed some people down, but there are still many unemployed, angry individuals who don't agree. I am not taking the risk of sending my son to become their outlet for grandstanding."
"And do not forget Jeffrey Epstein," I added, leaning back into the couch. "Do you think for even a second that his death was a suicide? Just a day before his testimony? What is stopping the same group that silenced him from coming after me?"
In truth, I doubted anyone would. They had no reason to. I possessed no additional information beyond what was already public. It would make no sense to target me now. Revenge was possible, sure, but it would be foolish. I had the means to retaliate, and I would retaliate publicly, ruining them even further than they already were.
Almost the entire Epstein client list, save one, had been arrested or at least questioned. The full list was already public, and even those who escaped charges were living as social pariahs. The man who had tried to attack me had done so because both his parents had lost their jobs, shattering his college dreams, not because anyone had hired him.
"Fine, do not go," Dad said at last, though his expression was still thoughtful. "But you need a planned long-term PR strategy to come back stronger than ever. I know how good you are at public speaking, and a congressional hearing would have solved a lot of our problems. Now that you're not doing it, we need something that will restore your image to one the public loves and admires. When people think of billionaires, they picture someone distant and unreachable. You need to do something that makes you seem more human and humble."
I shrugged. "I'm free after [Harry Potter]. Both my other projects that were in the works fell through."
Dad nodded in understanding. "You can take a break for a few years so people forget about this controversy. Then you can come back with small-budget projects. That part is very important. While I know you could make the biggest movie in the world if you wanted to, you should show restraint. Otherwise, it will look like you are showing off your wealth. Start with small indie films, then move into something mainstream slowly. You could even play supporting roles before leading something big."
I hummed thoughtfully at his advice. Dad's experience in the industry spoke for itself. He had been working here for decades.
"Okay," I agreed, before changing the topic. "I'm still low-key pissed at Chris Nolan and Warner Bros for punching me when I was down. At least Fox's Jim Gianopulos had the spine to support me publicly despite our private disagreements."
Dad observed me quietly for a moment before reminding me, "You still have a film production deal with Warner."
"Pay them off," Mum said before I could respond. "Cut all ties with Warner Bros after [Harry Potter]. You can afford to. They've done this before. You get into a little controversy, and they back off as if you killed someone. They conveniently forget you just gave them the biggest movie in their history."
Usually in such scenarios, the studios had the upper hand, but not this time. I could walk away. The fine for breaking the contract did not matter to me anymore. The payout for Warner's deal that I had signed with Dick Parsons was set at thirty million dollars if I abandoned all our future collaborations. There was just one concern.
"If I did that, it would mean I'd have to leave [The Dark Knight Rises] behind as well," I mused.
"Then leave it," Mum said firmly. "You own Marvel now. It was already bad enough when you played a DC villain. I could understand it, since you didn't own Marvel when you filmed it, but now you do. Don't forget how exhausting it was for you to play the character once already. I don't want you going through that again."
All valid points. But…it was the Joker. My favorite DC villain.
"Or you could say you'll come back only if Nolan is not the director," Dad suggested. "Then I can use my connections to block Nolan from getting more work in Hollywood, even from other studios."
"Don't do that," I said tiredly. "Just because I have the power now doesn't mean I'll abuse it. Need I remind you we are the ones who are co-producing his film and optioned his next three original projects as well? It won't look good to other future directors if we ice one of his films. And you were the one eager to start working on [Inception] as soon as I was free from [Harry Potter]."
Dad grumbled but did not contradict me. He had been deeply impressed by the idea of a complex story like [Inception] and was looking forward to collaborating with Nolan.
Still, my parents were right about one thing. I needed some form of payback to show him that what he had done was neither acceptable nor tolerable.
"I'll think about the future of the Joker later," I said. "For now, let's focus on finishing [Deathly Hallows]."
________________________
AN: Visit my personal website to read ahead, or check out my second Hollywood story set in the 80s.
Link: www(dot)fablefic(dot)com