Full Breakdown
Utah Lego Reseller and YouTuber Reckless Ben Reach Mediation in Defamation Lawsuit
6/26/2026, 1:19:53 PM
Mediation Request Alters Restraining Order
On June 24 2024, Bricks and Minifigs (BAM Franchising Inc.) and YouTuber Benjamin Schneider, “Reckless Ben,” filed a motion to replace restraining order with an injunction that retains bans on threats, doxxing, trespassing, impersonation and interference, but allows discussion, publication of court filings and commentary on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and podcasts. The filing also asks court to vacate a June 30 hearing for mediation.
Origins of the Legal Conflict
Schneider posted videos alleging Bricks and Minifigs stole a Star Wars LEGO collection left with an Oregon franchise. In May 2024, BAM Franchising and other plaintiffs filed civil suit alleging defamation, disparagement, conspiracy, stalking, trespass and intentional infliction of emotional distress. A restraining order then required Schneider to remove the videos and barred postings about the dispute.
Key Dates
- May 2024 – BAM Franchising files lawsuit against Schneider.
- December 2023 – Schneider arrested at Bricks and Minifigs office; charged with disorderly conduct (class C misdemeanor) and trespassing (class B misdemeanor).
- June 24 2024 – Joint motion to modify restraining order and vacate June 30 hearing.
- July 2024 (pending) – Court decision on modified order and possible release of “Bricks & Minifigs Part 3.”
Legal Stakes and Potential Impact
Schneider faces misdemeanors for stalking, picketing and trespassing. The case underscores tension between franchise protection, defamation law and online creators’ right to investigative reporting. A court-approved modification that permits discussion of the lawsuit could set precedent for applying restraining orders to content and determine whether Schneider can release “Bricks & Minifigs Part 3,” alleging misconduct by franchise and local police.
Official Positions
Court filings show Schneider disputes all allegations and intends a counter-claim against Bricks and Minifigs. The joint motion asks the court to keep bans on threats, doxxing, trespassing, impersonation and franchise interference, while permitting commentary and publication of court documents. No public statement from Bricks and Minifigs on the mediation request appears in the sources.
Criticism and Counter-Claims
Schneider’s videos accuse Bricks and Minifigs of stealing the Star Wars LEGO collection and of broader misconduct tied to the Oregon franchise. He also alleges constitutional violations and improper law-enforcement tactics by the American Fork Police Department during his arrests. These assertions form the core of his investigative series and his defense against the civil suit.
Outstanding Issues
One source notes that Judge Tony F. Graf Jr. has not yet signed the revised order, leaving its enforceability uncertain. The Tribune-Pakistan article reporting the joint filing carries a reliability rating of “None,” indicating limited verification. The absence of any public response from Bricks and Minifigs creates a gap in the company’s perspective.
Future Outlook
If the court approves the modified order, Schneider plans to release “Bricks & Minifigs Part 3” across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and podcasts. Both parties have agreed to pursue mediation, with any settlement terms to remain confidential. Should mediation fail, the case will proceed to trial, and further rulings will define the permissible scope of online commentary.
