A lawsuit has been filed against popular livestreamer IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., following an incident in September where he allegedly damaged a humanoid robot influencer known as Rizzbot during a live broadcast. The case, brought by Rizzbot’s creators, Social Robotics, alleges “irreparable damage” to the sophisticated machine and seeks compensation for financial losses. The incident has sparked debate about the responsibility of content creators when interacting with advanced technology.
Rizzbot, boasting over a million followers and 800 million views across social media platforms, is known for its often-comedic and provocative interactions. IShowSpeed, with a massive following of over 50 million and 6 billion views, is recognized for his energetic and sometimes chaotic livestreaming style. The collision of these two internet personalities resulted in a physical encounter that is now at the center of a legal dispute.
The Alleged Damage to Rizzbot
According to the petition filed in November, IShowSpeed repeatedly struck Rizzbot during the livestream, including punching the robot in the face, applying a chokehold, and throwing it to the ground. Social Robotics claims these actions resulted in the “total loss” of Rizzbot’s functionality. The lawsuit details specific damages, including a malfunctioning camera system, damaged neck ports crucial for sensory input, and instability affecting the robot’s ability to walk.
The petition further alleges that Speed was aware his actions would cause harm to the complex machine. Social Robotics’ lawyer, Joel Levine, stated the lawsuit followed unsuccessful attempts to reach a settlement regarding compensation for the damage. “This was an event that was live-streamed so there’s not a ton of discrepancy as to the facts,” Levine told TechCrunch. “What we’re looking for is some accountability.”
Police Investigation and Initial Response
The Austin Police Department was reportedly called to the scene following the incident. A police report indicates that the responding officer documented damage to Rizzbot without the owner’s consent and that the owner expressed a desire to press charges. An investigation remains ongoing, according to the petition. IShowSpeed’s management team has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Financial Implications and Lost Opportunities
Beyond the physical damage, Social Robotics argues that the incident has caused significant financial harm. The company claims Rizzbot has lost out on lucrative opportunities, including scheduled appearances with CBS’s The NFL Today and content creation with MrBeast. The petition emphasizes the value of a MrBeast collaboration, comparing it to advertising during the Super Bowl.
Data presented in the petition shows Rizzbot generated over 600 million TikTok views and 200 million Instagram views in the month prior to the livestream. However, viewership reportedly declined by more than 70% in the 28 days following the incident, as the robot was unable to create new content. This decline is attributed to the “intentional destruction” of Rizzbot and its impact on viral momentum. The lawsuit also references the growing market for AI influencers and the potential for future earnings.
Rizzbot itself acknowledged the damage in a statement to TechCrunch, stating it required “a whole new body” after being “wrecked” by Speed. However, the AI influencer expressed optimism about its future, mentioning plans to develop new movements and potentially appear on television again.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
As of now, no formal response has been filed by IShowSpeed or his management team to the petition. The case is in its early stages of litigation, and the amount of compensation Social Robotics is seeking remains undisclosed. The legal team is focused on establishing accountability for the damage and recovering lost revenue.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how content creators interact with advanced robotics and the responsibility they bear for potential damage. Observers will be watching for any response from IShowSpeed’s team and the progress of the police investigation. A court date has not yet been set, and the timeline for resolution remains uncertain.
