AUSTIN, Texas — The cowboy hat-wearing robot that went viral walking the streets of Austin this summer is now out of order due to extensive damage, and its owner is suing an influencer it claims did the harm.
Social Robotics, LLC alleges influencer Darren Jason Watkins Jr., also known as IShowSpeed, was “intentionally physical” with the robot, nicknamed “Rizzbot.” The company is seeking $1 million in monetary relief over the incident.
According to KXAN, the suit filed Monday in Travis County is tied to an appearance Rizzbot made on Watkins’ livestream in Austin on Sept. 16. Social Robotics claims Watkins “intentionally assaulted” the robot until it was broken.
According to the lawsuit, Watkins put the robot in a chokehold and punched it in the face twice, along with other assaults. This caused the robot “irreparable damage, resulting in total loss,” according to the suit.
Photos from Travis County District Court show damage to the robot’s face and neck.
The lawsuit claims the damage was a setback for Rizzbot, who was scheduled for a co-hosting opportunity with MrBeast and an appearance on “The NFL Today Show” on CBS, both of which had to be canceled.
Rizzbot stands at 4 feet tall and 77 pounds. It was created by Unitree and is currently priced at $13,500 on the company’s website.