A federal jury in Nashville has ordered YouTuber and country-rapper Ryan Upchurch to pay $17.5 million in damages to the family of Kiely Rodni, a 16-year-old California girl who disappeared in August 2022 and was later found deceased. (wsmv.com)
The lawsuit, filed in 2023 by Rodni's father, Daniel Rodni, and grandfather, David Robertson, alleged that Upchurch defamed them through a video titled "ZERO proof of Kiely Rodni situation being REAL." In this video, Upchurch suggested that Kiely's disappearance was a hoax designed to solicit funds via GoFundMe, implying fraudulent intentions on the part of her family. (wsmv.com)
Authorities had previously ruled Kiely's death an accident, with no evidence of foul play. The family's attorneys argued that Upchurch's claims caused significant emotional distress and damaged their reputation during a period of profound grief. (wsmv.com)
The jury found Upchurch liable on multiple counts, including defamation, false light invasion of privacy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The case now proceeds to a punitive damages phase, which could potentially increase the financial penalties imposed on Upchurch. (artvoice.com)
This verdict underscores the legal boundaries of online commentary, particularly within the true crime community, highlighting the potential consequences of disseminating unfounded conspiracy theories that can harm individuals and families.