Jury Awards Millions in Viral Bullying Case

Five years after facing accusations of race-based bullying at a sleepover, Asher Vann has been awarded $3.2 million by a Texas jury. The verdict acknowledges the severe emotional distress and invasion of privacy Vann experienced due to the viral narrative surrounding false claims. Vann, now a college freshman, expressed feeling heard after the jury's decision. The case originated from a 2013 incident where a classmate alleged Vann and others subjected him to abuse, which was quickly framed as racially motivated.

Vann has maintained that the allegations were untrue, describing the event as a prank involving airsoft guns and a prank gone wrong. Police investigations at the time did not lead to arrests, yet the claims rapidly spread online, sparking protests and calls for disciplinary action against Vann. His father, Aaron Vann, described the overwhelming impact on their family and their effort to share their story appropriately.

The mother of the accuser stated that the legal claims did not involve defamation and that the decision would be appealed. However, Vann's attorney countered that the accusers consistently refused to accept responsibility and continued to push a false narrative of racism. He also noted the jury's diversity, comprising members of various racial backgrounds, who he believes carefully considered the evidence before reaching their verdict.