Utah Judge Bars YouTuber Ben Schneider From Discussing $200,000 Lego Dispute
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 18
Utah Judge Bars YouTuber Ben Schneider From Discussing $200,000 Lego Dispute
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 18
Summary
A Utah judge on June 10 issued a temporary injunction stopping YouTuber Ben Schneider, known as Reckless Ben, from posting further about the missing Star Wars Lego collection dispute.
Schneider had amplified the case to his 1.4 million subscribers with stunts and a May 21 video alleging a $200,000 theft; the video drew more than 5 million views and fueled online conspiracy theories.
Bricks & Minifigs says the campaign triggered threats, stalking and bomb threats that forced the Oregon store's closure, and its lawsuit alleges Schneider, Chrystal Law and the Mansells coordinated harassment and extortion.
At the center is 83-year-old Ed Mansell's consigned collection, from which at least $52,000 of Lego was sold; the company values the missing remainder at $80,000, while Schneider claimed $200,000.
The dispute now spans police complaints, criminal charges against Schneider in Utah, and competing civil suits over who controlled or lost a collection once touted as among the world's most valuable private Star Wars Lego holdings.