Kevin O’Leary Wins $2.8 Million Defamation Suit Against Crypto Influencer Ben Armstrong
On Saturday, February 14, 2026, National Today reported that businessman and media personality Kevin O’Leary has been awarded $2.8 million in a defamation lawsuit against crypto influencer Ben Armstrong, also known as Bitboy Crypto.
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Miami, under Judge Beth Bloom, entered a default judgment against Armstrong after he failed to provide a sufficient response to O’Leary’s allegations.
The lawsuit stemmed from a series of videos and posts published by Armstrong over a week, in which he falsely accused O’Leary of being a murderer and alleged a multi-million dollar cover-up. Judge Bloom ruled these statements to be defamatory, leading to the full damage amount sought by O’Leary.
O’Leary, recognized for his role on the television show “Shark Tank,” initiated legal proceedings against Armstrong to address the reputational harm caused by the influencer’s claims. Armstrong, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency sphere, did not adequately defend himself against the accusations, resulting in the default judgment.
The case brings attention to the increasing concerns surrounding misinformation and defamation disseminated through social media platforms. The ruling underscores the potential consequences for individuals who leverage their online influence to spread false and damaging information. It also highlights the legal avenues available to public figures seeking redress for defamation.
The future course of action remains uncertain, with no immediate indication of whether Armstrong intends to appeal the decision or pursue further legal challenges.
Source: National Today
