Gay father avoids charges after striking influencer over false paedophilia claim
David Vulin, a gay father arrested after punching conservative influencer Ryley Niemi, will not face criminal charges, according to reports that his case was referred for pre-filing diversion. The encounter began in West Hollywood when Niemi questioned Vulin and his husband, Anthony, about their family and repeated an unsupported claim linking gay men to child molestation.
Niemi filmed the couple as they walked with their baby in April, then later said he suffered a concussion after Vulin struck him repeatedly; Vulin had also been arrested on suspicion of battery and vandalism. The couple welcomed the reported decision but said Niemi should face consequences, and Anthony is working with state legislators on a bill concerning creators who provoke confrontations for online engagement. Niemi said he may consider a civil lawsuit.
In short
- David Vulin will not face criminal charges over punching Ryley Niemi.
- Niemi approached the couple and made an unsupported claim about gay men.
- The couple want accountability for creators who provoke confrontations.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of the diversion decision could argue that avoiding a criminal conviction is proportionate if the case is suitable for an alternative process, while recognising that Vulin was responding to a deeply stigmatising and unsupported accusation about his family. They may also see the incident as a reason to scrutinise creators who film and provoke strangers for online attention, while leaving any civil claims to the parties involved.
The case against
Critics could argue that a false and offensive accusation does not justify repeatedly striking someone, and that declining criminal charges risks blurring the line between condemning provocation and excusing violence. They may favour accountability through the legal process, while still recognising Niemi’s conduct and the harm caused by the allegation.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Gay dad won’t be charged after he punched MAGA influencer who approached him at random to falsely imply he was a pedophile”.