Texas Teen Awarded $3.2 Million After False Racial Bullying Accusation

February 18, 2026

A Collin County jury has ordered a Texas mother and her attorney to pay $3.2 million to Asher Vann, a now-19-year-old college student who was falsely accused of racially motivated bullying in a 2021 incident that went viral. The verdict, upheld by District Judge Benjamin Smith on January 30, 2026, found Summer Smith and attorney Kim Cole liable for intentional infliction of emotional distress and invasion of privacy after they publicized allegations against Vann without sufficient evidence.

The case stems from a February 2021 sleepover in Plano where Smith's son, SeMarion Humphrey, then 13, accused Vann and other boys of forcing him to drink urine and bullying him with racial overtones. A Snapchat video circulated widely, amplified by social media, Black Lives Matter activists, and local news coverage, leading to death threats against Vann and his family, school disruptions, and severe emotional trauma.

Vann, who is white, denied the allegations. No criminal charges were ever filed against him, and a police investigation found insufficient evidence to support the claims. In the civil trial, jurors determined that Smith and Cole had knowingly spread false information, including leaking Vann's personal details and portraying him as the ringleader in a racially charged attack.

The jury awarded Vann $3.2 million in damages for emotional distress, reputational harm, and invasion of privacy. Smith and Cole have stated they plan to appeal the decision. Smith has maintained that she never publicly named Vann and that no evidence was presented proving she leaked his information.

Vann, now a college freshman, appeared on Fox News' "The Will Cain Show" with his father and attorney Justin Nichols to discuss the ordeal. "It destroyed my teenage years," Vann said. "The lies spread so fast, and the threats were real. I'm grateful the truth finally came out."

The case highlights the dangers of viral accusations and the long-term consequences of unverified claims amplified online. Legal experts note it is one of the largest defamation-style awards in Texas involving social media allegations against a minor.

Smith and Cole face significant financial penalties, though the final amount could change on appeal. The verdict serves as a reminder of the legal risks associated with publicizing serious accusations without conclusive evidence, particularly when minors are involved.