Kevin O'Leary Secures $2.8 Million Victory in Defamation Case
Canadian businessman and media personality Kevin O'Leary has emerged victorious in a high-profile defamation lawsuit, securing a substantial $2.8 million judgment against cryptocurrency influencer Ben "BitBoy" Armstrong. The ruling, delivered by Judge Beth Bloom in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, marks a significant legal triumph for O'Leary following months of damaging allegations.
False Accusations and Personal Attacks
Armstrong publicly accused O'Leary of murder on social media platform X, claiming the Shark Tank star had "paid millions" to cover up the crime. In a particularly egregious move, Armstrong posted O'Leary's private cell phone number and encouraged followers to "call a real life murderer." These actions prompted O'Leary to file the defamation suit, seeking redress for the harm caused to both his professional reputation and personal life.
Judge Bloom noted in her ruling that Armstrong's posts and the disclosure of O'Leary's contact information had significantly impacted the businessman, forcing him to increase security measures and field numerous concerned messages from business partners about the false claims. The court entered a default judgment against Armstrong after he failed to provide a substantive response to the lawsuit, despite his claims of mental health issues affecting his ability to reply.
Connection to Tragic Boating Accident
The false allegations stemmed from a tragic 2019 boating accident on Lake Joseph in Muskoka, Ontario. The O'Learys' 1991 Cobalt ski boat collided with a 2016 Super Air Nautique G 23 wakeboard boat carrying twelve passengers. The accident resulted in the immediate death of Florida retiree Gary Poltash, 64, from blunt force trauma, while Uxbridge mother of three Suzana Brito, 48, succumbed to her injuries several days later.
While Kevin O'Leary was never charged in connection with the incident, his wife Linda faced charges of careless operation of a vehicle. She was exonerated after a four-week trial in 2021, though the couple faced subsequent lawsuits and countersuits that were only recently settled. O'Leary stated that Armstrong's false claims had stirred up painful memories for his family, reopening wounds they believed had healed.
Substantial Damages Awarded
Judge Bloom awarded O'Leary approximately $78,000 in reputational damages, $750,000 for mental anguish, and $2 million in punitive damages. The comprehensive award reflects the severity of Armstrong's actions and their impact on O'Leary's life and career. The ruling serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences of making false accusations and engaging in targeted harassment through social media platforms.
This case highlights the growing intersection between social media influence and legal accountability, particularly in the cryptocurrency community where Armstrong had built his following. O'Leary's victory establishes an important precedent for public figures seeking protection against defamatory attacks in the digital age.
