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Karl Jobst Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Billy Mitchell

4/11/2026, 1:21:13 PM

Overview of the Lawsuit

Australian YouTube content creator Karl Jobst has initiated a defamation lawsuit against renowned Donkey Kong record holder Billy Mitchell. The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, alleges that Mitchell engaged in the unauthorized appropriation of Jobst's name and likeness, as well as intentional infliction of emotional distress. Jobst, who has over 1 million subscribers on YouTube, claims that Mitchell's actions have harmed his reputation, impacting his credibility and earnings.

Background of the Dispute

The current lawsuit follows a protracted conflict between Jobst and Mitchell, which included a previous defamation suit filed by Mitchell against Jobst in 2021. In that case, the court ruled in favor of Mitchell in April 2025, ordering Jobst to pay approximately $240,000 (AU$340,000) in damages. The ongoing disputes have centered around allegations made by both parties regarding credibility and financial misconduct.

Allegations and Claims

Jobst's complaint specifically addresses public statements made by Mitchell that he claims are false. These include assertions related to Jobst's bankruptcy process and crowdfunding campaigns. Jobst contends that Mitchell made these statements with knowledge of their falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth. The lawsuit cites examples such as Mitchell's claims that Jobst engaged in illegal activities during his bankruptcy and that he misled supporters through a GoFundMe campaign intended to fund a lawsuit based on false premises.

Impact on Jobst

Jobst alleges that the statements made by Mitchell have caused him significant harm, including emotional distress, embarrassment, and damage to his relationship with his audience. He claims these allegations have led to lost future earnings and other presumed damages.

Official Statements & Responses

Following the filing of the lawsuit on April 8, 2025, Mitchell responded on social media, indicating his anticipation of a favorable outcome in the ongoing disputes. He remarked, “I look forward to winning Best Supporting Actor again,” referencing the contentious nature of their interactions.

Criticism & Opposition

While the lawsuit has garnered attention, it has also sparked discussions among fans and observers regarding the nature of the allegations and the history between the two figures. Critics of both Jobst and Mitchell have expressed skepticism about the motivations behind the legal actions, suggesting that the ongoing disputes may be more about personal vendettas than substantive issues.

What's Next

As the lawsuit progresses, both parties are expected to present their cases in court, with potential implications for their reputations and careers in the gaming community. The outcome may also influence how similar disputes are handled in the realm of online content creation and public personas.