The ongoing feud between Ryan Kavanaugh, the CEO of Triller, and the H3 Podcast, hosted by Ethan and Hila Klein, has become a topic of significant discussion in the podcasting world. This legal and personal battle, which began in May 2021, has escalated into a high-profile case that has captured the attention of the public and the media alike (Hollywood Reporter, 2021a).
The conflict was sparked when the H3 Podcast allegedly used a clip from a Jake Paul fight, which was copyrighted by Triller, in one of their episodes. Kavanaugh, whose company held the rights to the battle, took issue with this and included Ethan Klein in a lawsuit for copyright infringement (Hollywood Reporter, 2021b). The case escalated into a personal feud, with both parties exchanging words publicly. Kavanaugh claimed that Klein had lied to his followers and profited from it. At the same time, Klein and his wife Hila criticized Kavanaugh's actions on their podcast, suggesting he was desperate for cash (Sportskeeda, 2021).
The feud took a dramatic turn when Ethan Klein claimed that Kavanaugh threatened him in a direct message (HITC, 2021). The legal feud has not yet been resolved, with a judge recently ruling that Triller can't pursue claims that the Kleins directed fans to leave negative reviews of the app (Hollywood Reporter, 2021a). This introduction provides an overview of the feud and the key events so far. The following sections will delve deeper into the background of the rivalry, the court's ruling, the aftermath and reactions, and the broader implications of this conflict.
Background of the Feud
The feud between Ryan Kavanaugh and the H3 Podcast, hosted by Ethan and Hila Klein, has its roots in a legal battle that began in May 2021. A clip from a Jake Paul fight used in one of the H3 Podcast episodes was at the heart of the conflict. Triller, the company that held the rights to the fight, took issue with this alleged infringement of their copyrighted material. As the CEO of Triller, Kavanaugh included Ethan Klein in a lawsuit for copyright infringement (Hollywood Reporter, 2021b).
The lawsuit quickly escalated into a personal feud, with both parties exchanging heated words publicly. Kavanaugh accused Klein of lying to his followers and profiting from it. He claimed that Klein had orchestrated a campaign to harm Triller's business by directing his fans, known as “foot soldiers,” to leave negative reviews for the Triller app in the Apple and Google Play stores (Hollywood Reporter, 2021a).
In response, Klein and his wife Hila criticized Kavanaugh's actions on their podcast. They suggested that Kavanaugh was desperate for cash and used the lawsuit to extract money from them. They also accused Kavanaugh of trying to intimidate them into silence (Sportskeeda, 2021).
The feud took an even more dramatic turn when Ethan Klein claimed that Kavanaugh had threatened him in a direct message. In a video titled “Finally Releasing the DMs,” Klein revealed that Kavanaugh had sent him multiple messages. He accused Klein of maligning, attacking, slandering, and defaming him. Kavanaugh also allegedly accused Klein of spending thousands of dollars to have thousands of dummy accounts post fake statements about him on his Instagram and tens of thousands to have fake app store reviews of Triller. He warned Klein to “govern yourself accordingly” (HITC, 2021).
The legal and personal battle between Kavanaugh and the Kleins has been marked by accusations and counter-accusations, with both parties using their platforms to present their side of the story. The feud has not only captured the attention of the public and the media, but it has also raised important questions about copyright infringement, defamation, and the use of social media in legal disputes. As the feud continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will be resolved and the implications for the parties involved and the podcasting industry.
The Court's Initial Ruling
The court's initial ruling in the legal battle between Ryan Kavanaugh and the H3 Podcast favored the defendants, Ethan and Hila Klein. The judge granted the Kleins' motion to dismiss the lawsuit, ruling that Triller could not pursue claims that the Kleins had directed their fans to leave negative reviews of the Triller app in the Apple and Google Play stores (Hollywood Reporter, 2021a).
The court found that the Internet is an electronic bulletin board open to billions of people worldwide. Platforms like YouTube and Reddit, where the H3 Podcast is hosted and discussed, qualify as public forums. The court ruled that Triller had failed to demonstrate that the Kleins had directed their fans to leave negative reviews of the Triller app and, as such, could not pursue claims of incitement (Hollywood Reporter, 2021a).
The Court's Findings on Defamation Claims
In addition to the incitement claims, the court addressed Triller's defamation claims against the Kleins. The court found that Triller had failed to point to a specific contractual relationship disrupted by the alleged conduct. Furthermore, the court ruled that Triller had not established any wrongful acts to further the underlying defamation and incitement claims (Hollywood Reporter, 2021a).
The court's ruling on the defamation claims was a significant blow to Triller's case. The judge noted that Triller had failed to demonstrate that the Kleins had made false statements about Kavanaugh or Triller or that they had acted maliciously. The court also noted that Triller had not provided any evidence to support its claims of economic harm resulting from the alleged defamation (Hollywood Reporter, 2021a).
The Implications of the Court's Ruling
The court's ruling significantly affects the ongoing feud between Kavanaugh and the H3 Podcast. The dismissal of the lawsuit represents a significant victory for the Kleins, who have maintained their innocence throughout the legal battle. The ruling also raises questions about the validity of Triller's claims and the strength of their case against the Kleins.
However, the court's ruling does not end the legal battle. Triller can amend its complaint and refile the lawsuit, and whether it will choose to do so remains to be seen. Regardless of what happens next, the court's ruling represents a significant development in this high-profile feud and will undoubtedly shape the course of the conflict in the coming months (Hollywood Reporter, 2021a).
The Aftermath of the Ruling
The aftermath of the court's ruling in the legal battle between Ryan Kavanaugh and the H3 Podcast has been marked by a continuation of the public feud between the two parties. Despite the court's decision, the Kleins have continued to criticize Kavanaugh on their podcast, maintaining their stance that Kavanaugh's lawsuit was an attempt to intimidate them into silence (Sportskeeda, 2021).
Ethan Klein has also claimed that Kavanaugh has continued to harass him, even after the court's ruling. In a video titled “Finally Releasing the DMs,” Klein revealed that Kavanaugh had sent him multiple messages. He accused Klein of maligning, attacking, slandering, and defaming him. Kavanaugh also allegedly accused Klein of spending thousands of dollars to have thousands of dummy accounts post fake statements about him on his Instagram and tens of thousands to have fake app store reviews of Triller (HITC, 2021).
Public and Media Reactions
The public and media reactions to the feud and the court's ruling have been varied. The rivalry has captured the attention of the public and the media, with many following the developments closely. Some have expressed concern for the Kleins, noting that the legal battle could have significant implications for them and their podcast. Others have criticized Kavanaugh's actions, suggesting he should focus on running his business rather than engaging in public feuds (Hollywood Reporter, 2021a).
The media coverage of the feud has also highlighted the broader issues at stake, including questions about copyright infringement, defamation, and the use of social media in legal disputes. The rivalry has sparked discussions about these issues, with many noting that the outcome of the legal battle could have significant implications for the podcasting industry (Hollywood Reporter, 2021b).
The Current State of the Feud
The feud between Kavanaugh and the H3 Podcast continues, with both parties exchanging words publicly. The legal battle is also ongoing, with Triller having the option to amend its complaint and refile the lawsuit. It remains to be seen how the feud will evolve in the coming months and the implications for the parties involved and the podcasting industry as a whole (Hollywood Reporter, 2021a).
Reflection on the Feud
The ongoing feud between Ryan Kavanaugh and the H3 Podcast, hosted by Ethan and Hila Klein, has evolved into a high-profile case that has captured the attention of the public and the media alike. The feud, which began as a legal battle over alleged copyright infringement, has escalated into a personal conflict marked by a series of public exchanges and accusations (Hollywood Reporter, 2021b).
Despite the court's ruling in favor of the Kleins, the feud shows no signs of abating. Both parties have continued to engage in public exchanges, with the Kleins continuing to criticize Kavanaugh on their podcast and Kavanaugh allegedly continuing to harass Klein through direct messages (Sportskeeda, 2021; HITC, 2021).
Implications for the Podcasting Industry
The feud and the court's ruling significantly affect the podcasting industry. The case has raised important questions about copyright infringement, defamation, and the use of social media in legal disputes. The outcome of the legal battle could set a precedent for future cases involving similar issues (Hollywood Reporter, 2021a).
Furthermore, the feud has highlighted the personal nature of podcasting. The Kleins have used their platform as podcast hosts to present their side of the story and engage with their audience. This has added a personal dimension to the legal battle, making it not just a dispute between two parties but a public feud that has engaged the podcasting community and the public (Hollywood Reporter, 2021b).
Looking Forward
As the feud continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will be resolved and the implications for the parties involved and the podcasting industry. Regardless of the outcome, the feud between Kavanaugh and the H3 Podcast has already significantly impacted. It has sparked discussions about important issues, captured the attention of the public and the media, and highlighted the power and influence of podcasting as a medium (Hollywood Reporter, 2021a).
In conclusion, the feud between Kavanaugh and the H3 Podcast is more than a legal battle. It is a high-profile conflict that has engaged the public, sparked discussions about important issues, and highlighted the personal nature of podcasting. As the feud continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly continue to shape the course of the podcasting industry.
Sources:
Gardner, E. (2021, November 22). Triller's Suit Against Podcasters Over “Troll” Reviews Tossed by Judge. The Hollywood Reporter. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/triller-troll-reviews-suit-tossed-by-judge-1235075271/
Gardner, E. (2021, November 18). Ryan Kavanaugh's New Mind Bender: When Is a Lawsuit Not a Lawsuit? The Hollywood Reporter. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/ryan-kavanaugh-podcaster-lawsuit-1235054660/
Bhattacharya, A. (2021, November 19). “He must be desperate for cash”: Hila and Ethan Klein troll Ryan Kavanaugh. Sportskeeda. https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/news-he-must-desperate-cash-hila-ethan-klein-troll-ryan-kavanaugh-lawsuit
HITC. (2021, September 10). Did Ryan Kavanaugh threaten Ethan Klein? DMs explored. https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/09/10/ryan-kavanaugh-ethan-klein/
