Story perspectives

Mother Sues TikTok Over Son's Death from 'Blackout Challenge'

1/19/2026

Center

Ellen Roome Sues TikTok

Ellen Roome, a British mother, leads a Delaware lawsuit against TikTok over her son Julian 'Jools' Sweeney's 2022 death linked to 'blackout challenge,' alleging TikTok's design promotes addictive behavior contributing to deaths.
TikTok filed a motion to dismiss, citing jurisdiction issues.
The case may reveal crucial data about children's activities on the platform if it proceeds.
Roome seeks Jools' Law to give parents access to deceased children's social media accounts.

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Couple Charged Neglect

The Louisiana couple Marlon Perriloux and Raynisa Young are charged with negligent homicide and cruelty to juveniles after their son Marley weighed 19 pounds and died.
Authorities responded to a medical emergency at a gas station on January 1.
Marley was pronounced dead at a hospital after resuscitation attempts.
An investigation found severe neglect, including malnourishment and poor living conditions.
The couple remains held at Ascension Parish Jail without bond.

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Couple Sentenced Neglect

Janiece Brooks and Tremaure Stanley, the Phoenix couple, were sentenced to 16 years for the death of their 5-month-old daughter and neglect of three siblings.
The case began in July 2023, tied to extreme dietary beliefs amid poverty.
Police found the infant unresponsive.
The infant was pronounced dead at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Surviving siblings were hospitalized with rickets and vitamin deficiencies, highlighting neglect's link to socioeconomic challenges.

History

Historical Context

In 2012, the American Academy of Pediatrics reported that one in three children were overweight or obese, raising alarms about child health. Ellen Roome's lawsuit against TikTok highlights ongoing concerns regarding social media's influence on youth, particularly after tragic incidents like the deaths of Marley and a Phoenix infant, underscoring the urgent need for legal reforms to protect children's welfare in the digital landscape.

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Ellen Roome Sues TikTok

Ellen Roome, a British mother, leads a Delaware lawsuit against TikTok over her son Julian 'Jools' Sweeney's 2022 death linked to 'blackout challenge,' alleging TikTok's design promotes addictive behavior contributing to deaths.
TikTok filed a motion to dismiss, citing jurisdiction issues.
The case may reveal crucial data about children's activities on the platform if it proceeds.
Roome seeks Jools' Law to give parents access to deceased children's social media accounts.

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