Prosecutors in Los Angeles have declined to file charges against a gay father involved in a confrontation with a conservative social media influencer who allegedly suggested he was more likely to be a child molester because of his sexuality.
In April, David Vulin was out with his husband, Anthony Vulin, and their young child when they were approached by conservative online influencer Ryley Niemi.
Niemi is known for creating videos in which he confronts people with liberal political views and often mocks LGBTQIA+ culture. The influencer allegedly told the couple he was from broadcaster CNN before beginning an interview.
In edited footage later posted online, Niemi asks the couple: “Have you ever heard about the statistics coming out that gay men are much more likely to commit child molestation?”
The couple appear shocked by the question and say they are not aware of any such statistics, describing the claim as “crazy”. Niemi continued questioning them until they asked to be left alone.
Later, following a cut in the footage, Vulin is shown making physical contact with Niemi, who falls to the ground.
The couple’s lawyer has now announced that David Vulin has completed the terms of a “pre-filing diversion” agreement with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and no longer faces the threat of prosecution.
In a statement to the Los Angeles Times, David and Anthony Vulin said they were relieved by the outcome but disappointed that “the person who provoked this encounter with hate speech then filmed and monetised it, faces no consequences.”
“But we’re determined to turn this into something meaningful,” they said. “Anthony is working with state legislators on a bill to hold rage-bait creators accountable for the harm they cause.”
Niemi said he was surprised the case would not proceed to court.
“This wasn’t a normal battery. I walked away 500 feet,” Niemi said. “He hit me in the back of the head and gave me a concussion.”
He said he was still considering whether to file a civil action against David Vulin.
A crowd-funding campaign to support the two gay dads raised more that USD$212,000.
