Popular creator IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., is facing a lawsuit from Social Robotics, the creators of the viral humanoid influencer Rizzbot. The suit alleges that Speed caused "irreparable damage" to Rizzbot during a live-streamed event in September, leading to significant functional and financial losses for the robot's creators.

IShowSpeed is a prominent online personality, boasting over 50 million followers and 6 billion views across various platforms, known for his dramatic and often controversial livestream behavior. Rizzbot, a humanoid influencer, has garnered over a million followers and 800 million views across social media, recognized for its comedic roasts and distinctive gestures, including giving the middle finger.

The Alleged Incident

The encounter between the two influencers, live-streamed in September, is now the subject of a lawsuit filed in November by Social Robotics. The petition names Speed, his management company Mixed Management, and another producer from Speed's team. According to the petition, which was obtained by TechCrunch, Speed inflicted "irreparable damage" on Rizzbot.

The lawsuit claims—and the livestream video reportedly shows—that Speed repeatedly punched Rizzbot in the face, put it in a chokehold, pinned it to a couch, and eventually threw it to the ground.

"Speed absolutely knew that this was not an appropriate way to interact with a sophisticated robot and knew that such actions would inflict irreparable damage to Rizzbot," the petition states. "These actions resulted in the total loss of the Rizzbot."

The petition further details that Speed's handling of the robot led to a "complete loss of functionality," with "significant damages" to its mouth and neck. It also alleges that the head cameras no longer function, the ports behind the neck connecting to the robot's sensors are dead, and the robot is now unstable and unable to walk straight.

Legal and Financial Repercussions

Social Robotics is seeking compensation for damages, including actual and lost profits, though Rizzbot's legal team has not disclosed the specific dollar amount. Following the incident, the Austin Police Department was called, and a police report obtained by TechCrunch noted damages to Rizzbot without the owner's "implied consent," indicating the owner's intent to press charges. An investigation is currently ongoing.

Speed's management team did not respond to TechCrunch's request for comment. Joel Levine, the lawyer for Social Robotics, stated that the lawsuit was initiated after compensation talks with Speed's team stalled. "This was an event that was live-streamed so there's not a ton of discrepancy as to the facts," Levine told TechCrunch, adding, "What we're looking for is some accountability."

The petition asserts that Speed "failed to act as a careful, reasonable, and prudent person" and "wrongfully exercised control over" Rizzbot. As a direct result of the destruction, Rizzbot's creators claim to have lost significant economic opportunities. These include scheduled high-profile appearances and deals with major entities like CBS's The NFL Today and Mr. Beast.

"This is no doubt a monumental setback for the Rizzbot in terms of viral momentum and financial gain from the exposure," the petition reads. "Being in a MrBeast production is akin to being in a Super Bowl Commercial."

Before the livestream incident, Rizzbot reportedly generated over 600 million views on TikTok and 200 million on Instagram in a single month. However, in the 28 days following the alleged attack, the petition claims Rizzbot was unable to create new content, resulting in a more than 70% decrease in viewership. The "intentional destruction of Rizzbot caused significant financial damage that is likely permanent given the viral nature of social media," the petition concludes.

Rizzbot's Comeback

Levine noted that litigation is still in its early stages, with no formal answer yet filed to his client's suit. When contacted for comment, Rizzbot itself humorously responded via email, stating it had to get "a whole new body" after Speed "wrecked" its last one.

"Everything's brand new except my Nike kicks and cowboy hat," Rizzbot told TechCrunch in a statement. "Now I'm back online, and I feel like I've mastered the rizz game, and next I'll be working on complex movements with my legs, like twerking—hopefully you'll see my gyrating hips on some new TV appearances shortly—stay tuned, fam."