Donkey Kong champion wins defamation case against Australian YouTuber Karl Jobst
a year ago
- #lawsuit
- #gaming
- #defamation
- A YouTuber in Queensland was ordered to pay $350,000 plus interest and costs for defaming former Donkey Kong world record holder Billy Mitchell.
- Mitchell, recognized by Guinness World Records and Twin Galaxies, sued Karl Jobst over false claims linking a lawsuit to another YouTuber's suicide.
- Jobst accused Mitchell of cheating and pursuing unmeritorious litigation, damaging Mitchell's reputation.
- Mitchell's records were removed by Twin Galaxies and Guinness World Records in 2017 over cheating allegations but were later reinstated.
- The court found Jobst acted with 'reckless indifference' to the truth, causing severe reputational damage and distress to Mitchell.
- Mitchell was awarded $300,000 for non-economic loss and $50,000 in aggravated damages due to Jobst's malice and failure to retract claims.
- Jobst was ordered to pay over $40,000 in interest and Mitchell's legal costs.
- Mitchell's records were reinstated by Twin Galaxies and Guinness World Records after a settlement in 2024.