A federal jury in Nashville ruled in favor of Rodni’s father, Daniel Rodni, and grandfather, David Robertson, after they sued Upchurch over videos that questioned whether Kiely’s disappearance and death were real. The lawsuit focused heavily on a video titled “ZERO proof of Kiely Rodni situation being REAL,” which has since been removed.
Rodni disappeared in August 2022 after attending a party near Tahoe National Forest in California. Her body and vehicle were later found submerged in a nearby reservoir, with authorities ruling the death an accidental drowning and stating there was no evidence of foul play.
According to court filings, Upchurch suggested that the case may have been fabricated as part of a scheme involving GoFundMe donations tied to search efforts and family support. Attorneys representing Rodni’s family argued that the videos caused emotional distress and damaged the family’s reputation while they were grieving publicly.
The case centered on online conspiracy commentary
The lawsuit became closely tied to discussions around true crime content and conspiracy-related commentary on YouTube.
During the period when Rodni was missing, numerous creators and online communities began analyzing the case in real time, often speculating about possible coverups or alternate explanations despite official investigations still being ongoing. Upchurch was one of several online personalities who publicly questioned the circumstances surrounding the case.
Attorneys for the family argued that some of those claims moved beyond speculation and crossed into defamatory accusations directed toward surviving relatives. The jury ultimately found Upchurch liable on multiple counts, including defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The damages awarded reportedly include $6.5 million to Daniel Rodni and $11 million to Robertson.
“The freedom of speech is one of the most fundamental rights that is necessary for every free society, and that right is one that needs protecting now more than ever. While Mr. Upchurch is a staunch advocate for the United States Constitution and the rights that so many veterans fought and died for, Mr. Upchurch can be that advocate and also feel sympathy for a family in their time of grief. It is in this spirit that Mr. Upchurch would like to extend his heartfelt sympathy to the Rodni, Robertson, and Nieman families,” Upchurch’s counsel wrote on a statement.
Featured image courtesy: Ryan Upchurch