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, has become 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 more than 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 combines brashness and comedy. Rizzbot has gained popularity as an influencer through videos in which it interacts 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 livestream. In the live video of the incident, Ishowspeed and Rizzbot mocked each other's appearances from their first meeting. 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 such an expensive and sophisticated robot in this manner would cause irreparable damage," and adds, "As a result of his actions, Rizzbot was effectively completely destroyed." The complaint also notes that the robot's head camera no longer functions, and its visual and auditory sensor ports are broken, causing it to lose balance and move abnormally.

It has been reported that Rizzbot suffered severe damage to its mouth, neck, mechanical components, and sensors, to the point where it can no longer walk properly. Viewer engagement has reportedly dropped by more than 70% since the incident. The company is demanding over $1 million in compensation for loss of revenue, defamation, and emotional distress. Notably, the company has filed the defamation suit by treating Rizzbot as if it were a person. Ishowspeed has not yet released an official statement.