Popular internet creator IShowSpeed is facing a lawsuit after being accused of violently damaging Rizzbot — a viral humanoid robot that rose to fame for its comedic roasting and expressive gestures on TikTok and Instagram. The suit, filed in November by Rizzbot’s developers, Social Robotics, claims the robot suffered “irreparable damage” during a livestreamed interaction with the YouTuber in September.
According to the petition and footage from the livestream, Speed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., repeatedly punched Rizzbot in the face, placed it in a chokehold, pinned it to a couch, and threw it to the ground. The filing alleges the incident resulted in the robot’s “complete loss of functionality,” including damaged mouth and neck components, dead sensor ports, broken camera systems, and an inability to walk properly. Social Robotics argues Speed acted recklessly and without consent, causing extensive financial loss and disrupting high-profile opportunities, including planned appearances with CBS’s The NFL Today and YouTuber MrBeast.
The Austin Police Department was reportedly called to the scene, with an officer noting damage inflicted without the owner’s “implied consent.” While the investigation remains ongoing, Speed’s management team has not commented on the allegations. Social Robotics’ attorney said negotiations with Speed’s camp collapsed before the lawsuit was filed. Rizzbot, speaking through its creators, said it “had to get a whole new body” after the incident but is now back online and preparing for future content.
