Popular streamer IShowSpeed is facing a lawsuit after a chaotic on-camera encounter that allegedly left viral humanoid influencer Rizzbot severely damaged.
The case, filed in November by Rizzbot’s creators Social Robotics, claims Speed caused “irreparable damage” to the robot during a September livestream.
According to the lawsuit, Speed, real name Darren Jason Watkins Jr., punched Rizzbot multiple times, put it in a chokehold, slammed it onto a couch, and eventually threw it to the ground during their livestreamed meeting. The video allegedly shows the entire incident, leaving little dispute over what happened, the petition says.
Social Robotics claims the robot suffered a complete loss of functionality, with major damage to its neck, mouth, internal sensor ports, and head cameras. The suit notes that Rizzbot can no longer walk straight and has to be fully rebuilt. “These actions resulted in the total loss of the Rizzbot,” the petition states.
The incident prompted a response from the Austin Police Department, whose report confirms damage done without the owner’s consent. An investigation remains ongoing.
Rizzbot, known for its comedic roasts and millions of followers across TikTok and Instagram, had been experiencing explosive growth — more than 600 million TikTok views and 200 million Instagram views in the month before the livestream. But after the destruction, the petition alleges Rizzbot’s viewership dropped by over 70%, since it was unable to create new content.
Social Robotics also says it lost several lucrative opportunities, including upcoming appearances with CBS’s The NFL Today and MrBeast. The lawsuit argues the setback is “monumental” given the viral nature of social media exposure.
The company’s lawyer, Joel Levine, told TechCrunch the lawsuit was filed after negotiations with Speed’s team stalled. Speed’s management has not commented.
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Rizzbot, meanwhile, confirmed via email that it has been fully rebuilt: “Everything’s brand new except my Nike kicks and cowboy hat,” it said. The robot added that it plans to return to social media soon with even more advanced movement features.
