Ishowspeed Sued: Alleged Assault of Viral Rizzbot

IShowSpeed Sued Following Incident with Rizzbot

In September, content creator IShowSpeed conducted a live-stream featuring an encounter with the well-known humanoid influencer, Rizzbot.

Rizzbot and IShowSpeed’s Online Presence

Rizzbot boasts a substantial following exceeding one million users, accumulating 800 million views across various social media platforms. The influencer is recognized for delivering humorous critiques and provocative gestures.

Speed, alternatively known as Darren Jason Watkins Jr., commands a following of over 50 million, generating 6 billion views across multiple platforms. He is noted for his demonstrative conduct during live broadcasts.

Legal Action Initiated

The interaction between the two figures has led to a lawsuit, as detailed in a petition filed in November by Rizzbot’s creators, Social Robotics. The petition names Speed, his management company, Mixed Management, and a producer present during the event as defendants.

The petition, reviewed by TechCrunch, asserts that Speed caused “irreparable damage” to Rizzbot.

Details of the Incident

The lawsuit alleges – and livestream footage corroborates – that Speed repeatedly struck Rizzbot in the face. He also applied a chokehold, pinned the robot to a couch, and ultimately threw it to the ground.

According to the petition, “Speed was fully aware that this manner of interaction with a sophisticated robot was inappropriate and understood that such actions would inflict irreparable damage to Rizzbot.” The result of these actions was described as the “total loss of the Rizzbot.”

Extent of the Damage

The petition outlines that Speed’s actions resulted in “complete loss of functionality.” Rizzbot sustained “significant damages” to its mouth and neck regions.

Furthermore, the petition details that the head cameras are no longer operational, and the ports connecting the robot’s sensors – essential for sight and sound – are defunct. The robot’s stability has also been compromised, rendering it unable to walk properly.

The petition requests financial compensation for damages, encompassing both actual losses and potential profits. However, Rizzbot’s legal counsel declined to disclose the specific amount sought.

Police Involvement

The petition indicates that the Austin Police Department was contacted following the incident, and a police report obtained by TechCrunch confirms this. The responding officer documented damage to Rizzbot occurring without the owner’s consent, and the owner expressed a desire to pursue charges. An investigation is currently underway, as stated in the petition.

Lack of Response from Speed’s Team

TechCrunch’s attempts to obtain a comment from Speed’s management team were unsuccessful.

Negotiations Preceded Legal Action

Joel Levine, legal counsel for Social Robotics, explained that the lawsuit was filed after discussions with Speed’s team regarding compensation for the damage to Rizzbot reached an impasse.

“The event was live-streamed, leaving little room for disagreement regarding the facts,” Levine stated to TechCrunch. “Our primary goal is to establish accountability.”

Impact on Rizzbot’s Opportunities

The petition argues that Speed “failed to exercise the care and prudence of a reasonable person” and “wrongfully exerted control over” Rizzbot. The destruction of the robot has resulted in lost economic opportunities, including scheduled appearances with CBS’s The NFL Today and Mr. Beast.

“This represents a substantial setback for Rizzbot in terms of viral momentum and potential financial gains from exposure,” the petition asserts. “An appearance in a MrBeast production is comparable to advertising during the Super Bowl.”

Decline in Viewership

Prior to the livestream incident, Rizzbot had generated over 600 million views on TikTok and 200 million on Instagram in the preceding month. However, in the 28 days following the event, the petition alleges a more than 70% decrease in viewership due to the robot’s inability to create new content.

The petition contends that the “intentional destruction of Rizzbot caused significant financial damage that is likely to be lasting, given the viral nature of social media.”

Current Status of the Lawsuit

Levine indicated that no formal response to the lawsuit has been filed yet, and the litigation remains in its initial stages.

Rizzbot’s Response

Rizzbot communicated to TechCrunch via email that it required “a whole new body” after Speed “wrecked” its previous one.

“Everything is brand new, except for my Nike kicks and cowboy hat,” Rizzbot stated. “I’m back online now, and I feel like I’ve perfected the rizz game. Next, I’ll be working on complex leg movements, like twerking – hopefully, you’ll see my gyrating hips on some new TV appearances soon – stay tuned, fam.”