A federal judge in the Southern District of Florida entered a default judgment on July 23, 2026, awarding investor and Shark Tank star Kevin O'Leary $2.828 million in damages against crypto influencer Ben Armstrong, known as "BitBoy Crypto." Armstrong failed to respond to the lawsuit or appear at the evidentiary hearing.
False Murder Claims and a 2019 Boating Accident
The case originated from a series of March 2025 social media posts in which Armstrong falsely accused O'Leary of murder and paying to cover up involvement in a 2019 boating accident that killed two people. O'Leary was never charged, 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," triggering harassment and heightened security concerns for O'Leary.
Court Ruling: Default Judgment Stands
Judge Beth Bloom found Armstrong liable for defamation per se and publication of private facts after Armstrong offered no substantive defense. Armstrong later moved to set aside the default judgment, citing mental health issues and incarceration, but the judge rejected those claims, noting he was served with the complaint and had ample opportunity to participate.
Damages Breakdown: Emotional Distress and Punitive Award
The award includes $78,000 for reputational harm, $750,000 for emotional distress, and $2 million in punitive damages intended to punish Armstrong's false statements. The total $2.828 million judgment underscores legal accountability for online defamation, especially when false claims reach massive audiences. Armstrong has not publicly commented on the ruling.