Businessman and television personality Kevin O’Leary has scored a major legal victory against crypto influencer Ben Armstrong, also known online as “Bitboy.”
A Miami federal judge ruled that Armstrong must pay nearly $2.83 million in damages for spreading false accusations about O’Leary on social media.
The Controversial Accusations
The case stems from a series of posts Armstrong made in March 2025 on X, in which he claimed that O’Leary was a murderer and had paid millions to cover up a 2019 boating accident.
The accident tragically resulted in two deaths, but O’Leary was not operating the boat at the time and faced no criminal charges.
His wife, Linda O’Leary, was charged with careless operation, but a 13-day trial concluded that the other boat involved was not using its lights, and she was exonerated.
Armstrong’s posts went further, including a phone number of O’Leary and encouraging followers to “call a real life murderer,” prompting a 12-hour suspension from X.
Judge Beth Bloom noted that O’Leary’s phone “was lighting up” constantly and that this harassment significantly impacted both his personal and professional life.
The Court’s Ruling
Armstrong failed to respond to the complaint or appear in court, leading Judge Bloom to issue a default judgment. The breakdown of damages included:
-
$750,000 for mental anguish
-
$78,000 for reputational harm
Suggested Readings (News continues below) -
$2 million in punitive damages
The court emphasized that Armstrong had escalated his harassment campaign and that his actions were entirely unfounded.
Armstrong’s Legal Troubles
This case adds to a growing list of legal issues for Armstrong. After being removed from the Bitboy Crypto brand in 2023, he has faced multiple arrests:
-
March 2025: Arrested in Florida over emails sent to Georgia Judge Kimberly Childs while representing himself.
-
July 2025: Arrested in Georgia on charges of making harassing phone calls.
-
2023: Arrested while livestreaming outside a former associate’s home over claims regarding a Lamborghini.
Armstrong’s reputation in the crypto community has suffered as a result, with his channel losing significant credibility.
What’s Next?
-
Payment enforcement: O’Leary is expected to collect the awarded damages, and legal measures may be taken to ensure Armstrong complies.
-
Further litigation risks for Armstrong: Ongoing legal scrutiny could continue as authorities monitor his conduct.
-
Public discourse on social media accountability: The case highlights risks for influencers who make unverified claims and harass public figures online.
-
Professional rehabilitation for O’Leary: With the case settled, O’Leary can focus on his business and media ventures without the cloud of false accusations.
Summary
Kevin O’Leary has won a nearly $2.83 million defamation judgment against crypto influencer Ben Armstrong, who accused him of murder in a 2019 boating accident.
Armstrong also posted O’Leary’s personal phone number, prompting harassment and professional disruption.
Judge Beth Bloom issued a default judgment awarding damages for mental anguish, reputational harm, and punitive reasons.
Armstrong, already facing multiple legal troubles, failed to appear in court, underscoring the risks of unchecked social media accusations.
This landmark ruling emphasizes the consequences for spreading false information online.
