A jury found social media star and musician Ryan Upchurch responsible for defamation and intentionally inflicting emotional distress on the family of teenager Kiely Rodni, who died in August 2022, and ordered him to pay $17.5 million in damages. judgmentThe late teen’s grandfather and father reportedly sued Upchurch in 2023, and the verdict was announced on Monday, May 18. people.
Ryan Upchurch was an internet sensation before this courtroom drama. He first became famous through YoutubeHis comedy character Upchurch reportedly became an instant hit, earning more than 500,000 followers in just four months. Internet medical database. He went on to create other beloved characters, including “Little Larry” and “Uncle Randy,” which caught the attention of television networks and eventually led to starring roles.
In 2015, Upchurch turned his attention to music, releasing his debut country rap album, About to Raise Hell. Exceed entertainmentHe is also involved in anti-bullying efforts, serving as chief ambassador and spokesperson for the organization RISE & Stand, IMDb reports.
The legal battle stems from the tragic case of Kiely Rodni, a 16-year-old girl who disappeared in August 2022 during a party near Tahoe National Forest in California. Her body and vehicle were discovered weeks after she was reported missing. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office Coroner’s Department later ruled her death an accident, writing in a statement: “This determination is based on the pathologist’s report that she drowned and there is no other evidence that she was killed by someone else. As always, our office will continue to work with the family and review any new information regarding this investigation.”
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Despite the official ruling, Upchurch posted a video on YouTube titled “Zero Evidence That Keeley Rodney Situation Really Existed,” according to court documents reviewed by People. In the video, which is currently unavailable, Upchurch allegedly said: “Everyone told me I should be ashamed of myself, how dare you, oh this is fake, let me know it’s real. Show me the evidence of Keeley Rodney.” He also reportedly suggested the case was a “scam” meant to raise money through a GoFundMe page, according to the complaint.
In 2023, Keeley’s grandfather, David Robertson, and her father, Daniel Rodney, filed a lawsuit against Upchurch in Tennessee, claiming he caused them “reputational harm, financial harm and emotional distress,” People reported.
The jury sided with the family. According to court documents, Upchurch was ordered to pay $6.5 million to Daniel Rodni and $11 million to David Robertson, for a total of $17.5 million. The verdict focused on the artist’s net worth, which is estimated to be around $10 million.
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