PUBLIC STATEMENT
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Issued by the Books by Behnke Publishing Team
On behalf of author Joseph Behnke
Approved and stamped by Joseph on June 9, 2025, at 1 PM
Published June 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM EST
Let us make this clear, with both honesty and heart:
Joseph Behnke did not write Before 18: In Joseph’s Footsteps for fame or attention. This memoir began as a private journal — a safe place to process trauma, identity, and everything he was never able to say out loud as a child. What began as healing became a message. A mission. A movement.
Joseph is not chasing clout. He’s chasing connection.
He has poured his truth into these pages, not to tear others down, but to lift others up — especially the young people who feel alone, silenced, or forgotten. That’s why he donates copies of his book to youth programs in Charlotte and beyond. Because he knows what it’s like to grow up feeling unseen. And he never wants another kid to feel that way if he can help it.
To the supporters who have sponsored donations: thank you. You are helping get this story into the hands of those who need it most. And that means the world — to Joseph, and to us.
To those spreading hate, disinformation, or suggesting that Joseph’s intent is anything less than genuine: we strongly advise you to stop.
📌 We are documenting all defamatory statements being made online.
📌 We have retained records of social media posts, comments, and public accusations.
📌 Should this continue, we are prepared to pursue legal action, including defamation, harassment, and character defacement under both state and federal law.
This book was written with care — and legally cleared with the appropriate consents. Any assumptions made about unnamed individuals are just that: assumptions — and those rest on the reader, not the author.
Joseph is a kind soul with a deep heart. He’s not perfect — none of us are — but he’s honest, and that honesty has touched nearly 5,000 lives worldwide so far.
So let’s not turn healing into hate.
Let’s let stories speak.
Let’s let truth rise louder than rumors.
And if you don’t want to read his story, that’s okay.
But please don’t distort it.