Texas Mother, Attorney Ordered to Pay $3.2M in Bullying Case

A Texas mother and her attorney have been ordered to pay a significant sum of $3.2 million to a teenager they accused of racially motivated bullying. The jury found Summer Smith and attorney Kim Cole liable for inflicting emotional distress and improperly publicizing information about Asher Vann, who is now 19.

The Incident and the Lawsuit

The case stems from an incident in February 2021, where Vann was accused of forcing Smith’s son to drink urine during a sleepover. The event was reportedly recorded and shared on Snapchat, quickly drawing widespread attention. Following the incident, attorney Kim Cole created a GoFundMe page, which raised over $100,000 for herself and her son.

However, the jury ultimately sided with Vann, ruling in his favor and awarding him $3.2 million in damages. This verdict suggests the jury found Smith and Cole’s actions, including the public dissemination of information, to be harmful and without sufficient proof of racial motivation.

Appeals and Differing Perspectives

Summer Smith and Kim Cole have announced their intention to appeal the verdict. Smith maintains that she did not leak Vann’s personal information or mention his name publicly, stating her goal was simply to ensure accountability through proper channels. She expressed concern about threats being made at the school.

Asher Vann, however, hopes the jury’s decision will help reshape public perception of him. He described the 2021 incident as immature behavior during a birthday sleepover, not an act of racial hatred. His attorney, Justine Nichols, suggested that the jury might have been influenced by how Smith reportedly used the GoFundMe donations, which Smith claims were used for her son’s counseling and private school tuition.

The GoFundMe Funds and Future Implications

Vann also stated that he doesn’t anticipate actually receiving the $3.2 million awarded by the judgment. The case highlights the complex intersection of social media, public opinion, legal proceedings, and the lasting impact of accusations, particularly those involving race and bullying.