Texas Teen Cleared of False Racial Bullying Claim Awarded $3.2 Million in Damages
Published Date: 18th Feb, 2026
February 18, 2026
A Collin County jury has ordered a Texas mother and her attorney to pay $3.2 million to 19-year-old Asher Vann after finding they knowingly spread false accusations that he racially bullied and assaulted another teenager in 2021. The verdict, delivered late last month and finalized by District Judge Benjamin Smith on January 30, 2026, marks one of the largest defamation-related awards in Texas involving social-media-fueled allegations against a minor.
The case originated from a February 2021 sleepover in Plano where Summer Smith's 13-year-old son, SeMarion Humphrey, accused Vann and several other boys of forcing him to drink urine and subjecting him to racial bullying. A short Snapchat video clip circulated rapidly online, amplified by local news outlets, Black Lives Matter activists, and social media accounts. The allegations led to death threats against Vann and his family, school suspensions, community backlash, and severe emotional trauma for the then-teenager.
No criminal charges were ever filed against Vann. A police investigation concluded there was insufficient evidence to support the claims. Vann, who is white, sued Smith and her attorney Kim Cole for intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation, and invasion of privacy, alleging they continued to publicize the accusations even after the police findings and leaked identifying information.
During the civil trial, jurors found that Smith and Cole had acted with malice by knowingly disseminating false statements and portraying Vann as the primary aggressor in a racially motivated attack. The $3.2 million award covers emotional distress, reputational harm, and punitive damages.
Smith and Cole have stated they intend to appeal the verdict. Smith has maintained that she never publicly identified Vann by name and that no evidence proved she leaked his personal details. Cole argued during trial that her client had a reasonable basis to believe the allegations at the time.
Asher Vann, now a college freshman, spoke publicly for the first time since the verdict on Fox News' "The Will Cain Show" alongside his father and attorney Justin Nichols. “Those lies spread so fast it felt like the whole world turned against me overnight,” Vann said. “I lost friends, my reputation, years of my life. I'm grateful the jury saw the truth.”
The case has drawn national attention as an example of the long-term harm caused by viral, unverified accusations spread on social media, particularly when minors are involved. Legal experts note the award is unusually large for a defamation-style claim in Texas and could set precedent for similar cases involving online reputational attacks.
The defendants face significant financial liability, though the final amount could be reduced or overturned on appeal. The verdict underscores the legal risks of amplifying serious allegations without conclusive evidence, especially in racially charged contexts. Asher Vann’s legal team has indicated they will pursue collection aggressively if the judgment is upheld.
Date: 18th Feb, 2026
