Influencer Sued for $1 Million After Assaulting Robot Influencer

Ishowspeed, with 46.4 Million Subscribers,
Assaults 1-Million-Follower "Rizzbot" During Live Broadcast

American creator Ishowspeed, who boasts 46.4 million subscribers, is embroiled in a lawsuit worth $1 million (approximately 1.47 billion KRW) for allegedly "assaulting" a humanoid robot. The assaulted robot, named Rizzbot, is a robot influencer with over 1 million followers.

Aishospeed (right) and Rizbot are facing off against each other. YouTube capture

According to U.S. IT media outlet TechCrunch, Social Robotics, the company that developed the robot, has filed a lawsuit against Ishowspeed, with the complaint submitted to a Texas court last month. Ishowspeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., is known for content that blends intensity and comedy. Rizzbot is an influencer who gained popularity through videos interacting with people while wearing a cowboy hat.

Aishospeed is assaulting the humanoid robot 'Leezbot'. YouTube capture

The assault incident occurred on September 16, when Rizzbot was invited to Ishowspeed’s live broadcast. In the livestream footage, Ishowspeed and Rizzbot mocked each other's appearances from their first encounter. Rizzbot then made an obscene gesture toward Ishowspeed, who demanded an apology, but Rizzbot refused to apologize. Enraged, Ishowspeed punched Rizzbot in the face and choked its neck.

The complaint states, "Ishowspeed was aware that handling an expensive and sophisticated robot in such a manner would cause irreparable damage," and "as a result of his actions, Rizzbot was essentially completely destroyed." The complaint also details that the robot's head camera no longer functions, and its visual and auditory sensor connection ports are broken, causing it to lose balance and move abnormally.

It is reported that Rizzbot suffered severe damage to its mouth, neck, mechanical parts, and sensors, leaving it unable to walk properly, and that audience engagement has since dropped by more than 70%. The company is seeking over $1 million in compensation for loss of revenue, defamation, and emotional distress. Notably, the company has filed a defamation suit treating Rizzbot as a person. Ishowspeed has not yet issued an official statement.