Kevin O’Leary wins $2.8M judgment after BitBoy Crypto’s false murder claims Kevin O’Leary — investor and Shark Tank personality — has been awarded $2,828,000 in a defamation suit against crypto influencer Ben “BitBoy Crypto” Armstrong, after a federal judge entered default judgment when Armstrong failed to meaningfully defend the case. What happened In March 2025, Armstrong posted on social media that O’Leary was a murderer and alleged O’Leary paid to cover up involvement in a 2019 boating accident that killed two people. O’Leary was never charged in connection with that incident, and his wife was later acquitted at trial. Armstrong also published O’Leary’s private phone number and urged followers to “call a real life murderer,” conduct that led to harassment and heightened security concerns for O’Leary. The court’s ruling U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom of the Southern District of Florida held an evidentiary hearing and entered a default judgment after Armstrong did not respond to the suit or appear. The court found in favor of O’Leary on claims including defamation per se and publication of private facts, awarding $2,828,000 in damages. A later motion by Armstrong to set aside the default judgment was denied. Armstrong’s attempted defenses and the wider message Armstrong sought to justify his absence by citing mental health issues and incarceration; the judge rejected those explanations, noting he had been properly served and had ample opportunity to participate. The decision highlights that widely broadcast false statements — especially from high-reach social-media influencers — can carry significant legal and financial consequences. Why it matters for crypto influencers The case serves as a potent reminder to personalities in the crypto space that viral accusations and doxxing can result in serious liability. As social platforms remain central to market narratives and reputations, this ruling underscores legal accountability for defamatory conduct online. Read more AI-generated news on: undefined/news