Empower Network CEO David Wood recognized Mack Zidan as the company's "top recruiter" in September 2012. By December 16, 2013, Zidan publicly accused Empower Network of fraud, claiming the company tried to reroute payments from his extensive downline despite his active affiliate status.

Zidan, known as "Mack Millions," claimed to have personally recruited over 2900 affiliates into Empower Network. He frequently appeared at the company's 2013 events, securing wins in several affiliate recruitment competitions. While Wood once labeled Zidan a "pure internet gangster," their relationship had since deteriorated.

Zidan posted a warning on Facebook, alleging Empower Network taught affiliates "How to DEFRAUD your customers – 101!" He included two screenshots, dated December 16, 2013, which he said showed his account remained active and receiving commissions. This directly contradicted company claims that he had "left the program."

An email, reportedly from "Site Administration" and dated December 11, instructed Zidan's downline to redirect their $25 monthly "EN Basic Membership" payments. The email stated, "Your powerline payment of $25 to sponsor mack in EN Basic Membership needs to be updated as mack has left the program." It requested payments be made to Charles "Chuck" Marshall, Zidan’s upline. Zidan claimed Empower Network corporate emailed over 2900 of his personal recruits with this instruction.

Zidan's Facebook post also promoted a new business opportunity. The public accusations followed a five-day gap between the company's email to Zidan's downline and Zidan's published screenshots. The discrepancy between Empower Network's claims and Zidan's account status remained central to the dispute.