'The Office' Star Refunds Kickstarter Backers $110,000 After Plans for a Spin-Off Series Don't Go to Plan

Without a doubt, one of the most lovable characters from the hit series, The Office, was Stanley Hudson. With his entirely unfiltered honesty, straight-faced satire, and those unforgettable eye-rolls, Leslie David Baker as Stanley was a standout in the popular comedy series.

In 2020, seven years after The Office aired its final episode, Baker announced plans for a new spin-off series called Uncle Stan. The show was meant to follow Stanley after his retirement, and the idea managed to gather more than $110,000 from eager Kickstarter backers.

However, after several delays due to COVID-19 and, more recently, the WGA strike, Leslie decided it would be best to pull the plug on the spin-off for the time being. Therefore, he announced that he would be refunding all the funds he received from Kickstarter backers.

In an official announcement, Leslie wrote, "After careful consideration, we have decided to refund our backers." The actor explained, "In light of the current economic situation, we felt that this was the best course of action."

Prior to Leslie's update, some people were beginning to think that the whole endeavor had been a scam. "The actor who played Stanley on The Office scammed people out of $300,000," one person tweeted.

But after the actor's heartfelt announcement, people's faith in Leslie seems to have been restored. "It's respectable that he's returning the cash," tweeted one fan. Take a look:

Leslie David Baker as Stanley was a standout in the popular comedy series, The Office.

NBC

After announcing plans for a spin-off series in 2020, Leslie was able to raise more than $110,000 from Kickstarter backers.

$336,450 was the original amount raised. However, some backers later pulled out or adjusted their donations.

Kickstarter

However, after several delays due to COVID-19 and, more recently, the WGA strike, Leslie decided he would refund all the funds he received from Kickstarter backers.

IMDB

Some fans began to question whether the whole endeavor had been a scam.

Twitter/PodioCommentary

"The actor who played Stanley on The Office scammed people out of $300,000."

The Office scammed people out of $300,000."" />Twitter/pugmane

"That's not a good sign."

Twitter/pugmane

Here's what Leslie had to say in response to the allegations.

Facebook

"The project took longer than anticipated due to circumstances beyond our control."

Facebook

"After careful consideration, we have decided to refund our backers."

Facebook

"You can expect to receive it over the following weeks."

Facebook

"The funds were never used for any purposes other than reward fulfillment and backer refunds."

Facebook

"Thank you again for all your love and support!"

Facebook

And here's how people reacted.

Facebook/MikePry

"It's respectable that he's returning the cash."

Facebook/Tully Page

"He's definitely no politician or conman."

Facebook/Khalil Bell

That's no scam!

Facebook/JohnMinter Carr

"The right thing" to do.

Facebook/Nathan Wallace

What's your take on this story? Do you think Leslie did the right thing by refunding the Kickstarter money?

After all, he could have pocketed some, if not all, of the money and cut his losses. But the actor chose to be honest and return the funds to his generous backers.

We think that's pretty awesome of him. Love your work, Mr. Baker!