Kevin O’Leary, the prominent businessman and Shark Tank star, has emerged victorious in a high-profile defamation lawsuit against crypto influencer Ben Armstrong, known as ‘Bitboy,’ securing a substantial $2.83 million in damages. The Miami federal court’s decision, handed down by Judge Beth Bloom, underscores the severe consequences of baseless and harmful social media accusations.
A Legal Victory for O’Leary
The lawsuit, which centered around a series of inflammatory posts on X (formerly Twitter) by Armstrong, accused O’Leary of murder in connection with a 2019 boating accident that resulted in two deaths. Judge Bloom’s ruling clarified that neither Kevin nor his wife Linda were operating the boat at the time of the incident, and Linda was ultimately exonerated after a thorough 13-day trial. The judge’s decision also highlighted the baseless nature of Armstrong’s claims, which included accusations that O’Leary had paid millions to cover up the incident.
The Impact of Armstrong’s Actions
Armstrong’s campaign of harassment escalated to a new level when he shared O’Leary’s private phone number on X, urging his followers to “call a real life murderer.” This led to a barrage of calls and messages, significantly affecting O’Leary’s personal and professional life. The judge noted that Armstrong’s actions were not only defamatory but also constituted harassment, leading to his temporary suspension from X.
Judge Bloom’s Ruling
Due to Armstrong’s failure to respond to the complaint and his absence from the court, Judge Bloom issued a default judgment. The damages were broken down as follows: $750,000 for mental anguish, $78,000 for reputational harm, and $2 million in punitive damages. The punitive damages were particularly significant, aimed at deterring Armstrong and others from engaging in similar behavior in the future.
Armstrong’s Troubled History
This legal defeat is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Armstrong. In 2023, he was removed from the Bitboy Crypto brand, once a leading crypto YouTube channel. Since then, he has faced multiple legal issues, including arrests in Florida and Georgia for sending threatening emails and making harassing phone calls. Armstrong’s history of volatile behavior and inflammatory social media posts has led to increased scrutiny and legal repercussions.
Implications for Social Media and Crypto Influencers
The O’Leary-Armstrong case serves as a cautionary tale for social media influencers, especially those in the highly volatile crypto space. It highlights the importance of verifying information and the potential legal ramifications of spreading unverified or false information. As the crypto community continues to grow, the need for responsible and ethical behavior among influencers becomes increasingly critical.
Looking Forward
For Kevin O’Leary, this victory is not just a personal vindication but also a broader statement about the legal consequences of online defamation. The case may set a precedent for how social media platforms and the legal system handle similar incidents in the future. As the digital landscape evolves, the balance between free speech and accountability will remain a crucial topic of debate.
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