H3’s Ethan Klein set to face major defamation lawsuit after losing appeal

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As a devoted follower, I’m sharing the news that a higher court has affirmed the initial verdict in a defamation case filed by movie investor Ryan Kavanaugh against YouTube sensation and H3 Podcast mastermind, Ethan Klein.

The decision dismisses Klein’s anti-SLAPP attempt, thereby permitting Kavanaugh’s libel allegations to advance towards the trial phase.

The current situation originated from a 2019 Variety article which first brought up accusations by a former business partner that Kavanaugh was operating a Ponzi scheme. However, this article was later revised to include a statement from Kavanaugh’s legal team stating that the matter had already been settled and that Kavanaugh firmly denied any misconduct.

In the year 2021, there was a separate court case where Klein was accused, this time by Triller Fight Club II. They claimed copyright infringement against both Klein and his podcast company. The accusation stated that Klein had utilized footage from a pay-per-view boxing and music event that Triller owned, without having the necessary permissions to do so.

It’s been claimed by Klein that Kavanaugh may have been involved with the lawsuit since he founded Proxima Media, which owned a significant stake in Triller between 2019 and 2022.

After the allegation, Kavanaugh asserts that Klein orchestrated a “systematic online smear” intended to tarnish his image. This includes bringing up again the earlier, corrected claim from a 2019 Variety article, which implied that Kavanaugh was part of a Ponzi scheme.

According to Kavanaugh, Klein repeatedly referred back to an initial accusation in his videos and online posts, painting Kavanaugh as deceitful and unreliable.

As stated by Kavanaugh’s legal representatives, “Mr. Klein and numerous digital outlets he manages re-shared an amended statement in a sensational manner, aiming to undermine Mr. Kavanaugh’s credibility and tarnish his public image.

They went on, clarifying that this wasn’t meant as satire or critique. Instead, it was a deliberate attempt to tarnish a reputation by spreading intentionally untrue information over an extended period.

Kavanaugh asserts that Klein intentionally spread old and harmful accusations to his followers, portraying these as facts in numerous videos, social media updates, and podcast installments.

Klein’s anti-SLAPP motion dismissed

As an ardent supporter, I’d express it like this: I, Klein, defended myself against the lawsuit with an anti-SLAPP motion, asserting that my content was shielded by the First Amendment and represented fair comment on a public figure, Brett Kavanaugh. Regrettably, neither the initial court nor the higher court agreed with me, deciding that Kavanaugh had demonstrated a likelihood of success in his case, which meant the lawsuit moved forward.

In 2022, Klein shared a video called “Ryan Kavanaugh is Attempting to Destroy Me,” detailing the legal disputes he was facing.

After the court’s decision in this case, Kavanaugh’s representative commented, “This verdict moves us closer to ensuring that individuals are held responsible when they disseminate untrue and harmful information while claiming it’s a matter of free speech.

In simpler terms, Kavanaugh is pursuing an undisclosed sum in compensation, potentially running into millions, due to damage to his reputation and business interruptions, if he wins the case. Additionally, the lawsuit aims to stop any more defamatory material from being disseminated.

Legal experts highlight that this case might extend its impact on internet discourse, emphasizing the accountability of content providers, especially when addressing public personalities or rectified information.

The proceedings advance in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, allowing both parties a chance to submit additional proof. As of yet, no court date has been scheduled.

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2025-04-08 15:18