Kevin O’Leary Wins $2.8 Million Defamation Case Against Ben Armstrong
Kevin O’Leary just secured a $2.8 million courtroom victory.
The Shark Tank investor won a default judgment against former crypto influencer Ben Armstrong, better known online as BitBoy Crypto. The case centered on a series of explosive accusations Armstrong made publicly — including calling O’Leary a “murderer.”
What makes the outcome more striking is that Armstrong never properly defended himself. A federal judge in Florida stepped in and ruled in O’Leary’s favor after Armstrong failed to respond to the lawsuit.
Judge Beth Bloom awarded O’Leary $2 million in punitive damages and $750,000 for emotional distress, along with additional compensation for reputational harm.
The court also rejected Armstrong’s later attempt to overturn the default. He argued that mental health struggles and incarceration prevented him from responding in time. The judge wasn’t persuaded.
The Backstory Behind the Lawsuit
The dispute traces back to a tragic 2019 boat crash involving O’Leary’s wife, Linda, in which two people died. She was fully acquitted in 2021.
Despite that legal outcome, Armstrong later took to social media claiming O’Leary and his wife had “murdered a couple and covered it up.” He also escalated the feud by posting O’Leary’s private phone number online and encouraging followers to contact him.
At one point, Armstrong reportedly mocked critics by saying, “What are you gonna do, sue me?”
O’Leary did exactly that.
On March 26, 2025, the court delivered its answer.
Breaking Down the $2.8 Million Judgment
The total award includes:
$78,000 for reputational damage
$750,000 for emotional distress
$2 million in punitive damages
According to court filings, O’Leary cited increased security measures and restricted studio access due to concerns about Armstrong’s online following.
The largest portion — the $2 million in punitive damages — was designed to send a message. Courts typically reserve punitive awards for cases where conduct is deemed especially reckless or malicious.
Armstrong had already defaulted after failing to respond to the lawsuit in 2025. In early 2026, he tried to undo that default, blaming incarceration and mental health challenges. The court ultimately denied that request.
A Tough Stretch for Armstrong
The judgment adds to an already difficult period for Armstrong, who was previously pushed out of the HIT Network and now faces significant financial consequences from the ruling.
For O’Leary, the decision marks a decisive legal win — and a clear signal from the court that online accusations can carry real-world consequences.
