Facts

Plaintiff Nicko "Romeo" Lacoste, the owner of The California Dream Tattoo, filed suit against Defendant Daniel "Keemstar" Keem, the owner DRAMAALERT, a channel streamed on social media outlet that includes Youtube, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat for interference with prospective economic advantage and interference with contractual relations.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS: Plaintiff contended Defendant falsely accused Plaintiff of pedophilia in several videos that were played on social media platforms, which included Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube. Specifically, Plaintiff contended Defendant publicized a video of Plaintiff that depicted Plaintiff participating in a sexually charged conversation with a minor. Plaintiff contended Defendant used the videos to destroy Plaintiff's business, reputation, and attempted to ruin Plaintiff's career. Plaintiff further contended Defendant caused Plaintiff to lose business contracts as a result of the surfaced videos, and also caused substantial damage to Plaintiff's earned income and profits.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS: Defendant denied Plaintiff's contentions and filed a special motion to strike Plaintiff's complaint against him under California's anti-strategic lawsuit against public participate statute.

Result

The court granted Defendant's special motion to strike the complaint, finding that the claims arose from activities protected under the anti-SLAPP statute and Plaintiff had failed to show a minimal probability of prevailing on his claims.