The latest drama on TikTok is hot out of the oven, with Crumbl Cookies co-founder Sawyer Hemsley trying to cool-off a new controversy stirred-up by the same social media influencer who last year questioned whether the ex-CEO was closeted.
Hemsley ended those rumors by publicly coming out as gay on Instagram in August 2025, as Out reported.
This week, Grant Gibbs posted a new TikTok video some have christened Crumblgate, a kooky cookie conspiracy theory in which Gibbs claims Hemsley retaliated for what went down last summer by getting Grindr to disinvite him from tonight's third annual Halloween Pleasure Ball in New York City.
It's not just a party, as Out has reported, but also a costume contest that the LGBTQ+ dating app hopes will become the “gay rival to the Met Gala,” according to chief marketing officer Tristan Pineiro. It's a big deal, with sponsors that include Absolut Vodka and Lyft, according to AdWeek.
“I was specifically asked to be taken off the list, allegedly," said Gibbs, "because Sawyer Hemsley was invited. Sawyer Hemsley, who, in my opinion, does nothing for this community.”
Gibbs directly addressed both the app and the Crumbl co-founder in Wednesday's video shared with his 312K followers, which has attracted thousands of comments and 145K likes in less than a day.
“Grindr, I have worked with this brand since 2022. I have mentioned y’all all the time. You have been in our music video. I have literally been to every single Pleasure Ball for two years. I’m like, I very much feel part of the Grindr community,” he said. As for Hemsley, Gibbs added: “Look, I don’t even know this man, nor do I give a fuck about this man. Sawyer Hemsley, let’s talk.”
@grantegibbs TikTok · Grant Gibbs
Hemsley denied the allegations in a comment on Gibbs' video, directly refuting them:
“Hey Grant, we’ve never met, but someone sent me your post and I wanted to reach out directly," he wrote. "Neither I nor anyone on my team ever asked Grindr to remove you from any guest list, and I’ve never discussed you or this event with anyone there, so I’m honestly not sure where that came from."
Hemsley also commented on Gibbs' speculation that eventually fueled his coming out.
"I’ll admit the TikTok situation was hard for me at the time, but I’ve moved forward and hold no ill will," he said. "I hope this gets sorted out, and I wish you all the best.“
Out has contacted Grindr for comment, but did not receive a response as of publication.
Ever since coming out as gay in 2025, Hemsley has been open about his identity, even celebrating it with flowers, french fries and many shirtless selfies. And as Just Jared reported, one month later, Sawyer launched his boyfriend on Instagram. He and Antonio Bruno are still dating, according to the site.
Hemsley stepped down from his day-to-day role with Crumbl Cookies in April, after nine years as Chief Brand Officer, as Attitude reported. He has continued to be involved with the company as a member of the board of directors alongside fellow co-founder and CEO Jason McGowan.
