DRS Law Secures $18 Million Verdict for Kiely Rodni’s Family in Landmark YouTube Defamation Case

Nashville, TN — May 19, 2026

 

A federal jury in Nashville has delivered a resounding verdict for justice: $18,000,000 awarded to the family of Kiely Rodni against YouTuber and country rap artist Ryan Upchurch.

This verdict — one of the largest defamation verdicts in recent Tennessee history — sends a clear message to anyone who believes a massive social media platform gives them the right to spread lies about grieving families.

 

Background: Who Was Kiely Rodni?

 

Kiely Rodni was a 16-year-old girl from California who disappeared on August 6, 2022, after attending a party near Truckee, California — a small town north of Lake Tahoe. After a two-week search, her vehicle was recovered from the Prosser Reservoir with her body inside. Authorities determined the cause of death was accidental drowning. There was no evidence of foul play.

 

While her family grieved this unimaginable loss, they were soon subjected to something no family should ever have to endure: a barrage of viral online content falsely claiming that Kiely Rodni never existed — and that her death was a hoax.

 

The Defamation: What Upchurch Said

 

Ryan Upchurch, who boasts more than 3 million YouTube subscribers, published videos in which he flatly stated that Kiely Rodni’s disappearance and death were fabricated.

“Show me real proof of Kiely Rodni existing … show me anything that indicates that this is real. You can’t. ‘Cause it ain’t. It’s a scam.” — Ryan Upchurch, “ZERO proof of Kiely Rodni situation being REAL”

He went further, suggesting that Kiely’s family was using her death to fraudulently raise money on GoFundMe — accusing a family of fabricating their daughter’s death for profit.

These were not opinions or commentary. These were false statements of fact, broadcast to millions of followers, targeting a family already devastated by loss.

 

The Lawsuit: Robertson and Rodni v. Upchurch

 

In July 2023, DRS Law filed suit in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee on behalf of Kiely’s father, Daniel Rodni, and her grandfather, David Robertson (Case No. 3:23-cv-00770). The complaint alleged defamation, defamation per se, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The plaintiffs alleged that Upchurch’s videos caused reputational injury, financial losses, and severe emotional distress — injuries that no family, already broken by grief, should ever have to suffer.

 

The Verdict: Justice Delivered

 

On May 18, 2026, a Nashville jury ruled unanimously in favor of the plaintiffs. The total award was $18,000,000, broken down as follows:

 

Daniel Rodni (Kiely’s Father)

• $500,000 — Actual damages for defamatory statements
• $2,000,000 — Assumed damages (harm to reputation, shame, mortification, hurt feelings)
• $4,000,000 — Severe emotional distress damages
• $250,000 — Punitive damages

David Robertson (Kiely’s Grandfather)

• $1,000,000 — Actual damages
• $4,000,000 — Assumed damages (harm to reputation, shame, mortification, hurt feelings)
• $6,000,000 — Severe emotional distress damages
• $250,000 — Punitive damages

 

A Statement from DRS Law

 

“This verdict stands as a powerful reminder that using a massive online platform to spread false claims about a grieving family has real consequences. Now, the family can finally move forward in peace and focus on what matters most: honoring the memory of Kiely Rodni.”

— Christopher Smith, DRS Law

 

Why This Case Matters

 

The internet has transformed how information — and misinformation — spreads. True crime content, conspiracy theories, and viral accusations can reach millions of people within hours. This case makes clear that the reach of a platform does not insulate a speaker from accountability for defamation.

Freedom of speech is a fundamental right. But that right does not extend to broadcasting deliberate falsehoods that destroy the reputations and peace of mind of real people — particularly those already enduring the worst pain imaginable.

This verdict matters not only for the Rodni and Robertson families, but for every grieving family targeted by online harassment and false accusations in the digital age.

About DRS Law

 

 

DRS Law is a Nashville-based civil litigation firm representing individuals and families in complex defamation, personal injury, and intentional tort cases. Our attorneys are committed to holding wrongdoers accountable and delivering justice for those who have been harmed.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of defamation or online harassment, contact DRS Law today.