Diana Jenkins has filed a lawsuit against internet ‘bots’ that blamed her for racist messages sent to Garcelle Beauvais’ 14-year-old son Jax.
The complaint filed by the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member in Los Angeles Superior Court asserts both she and the teen are victims of a ‘hateful campaign.’
According to the Los Angeles Times, Jenkins does not know who is behind the bots so she filed the lawsuit against unknown defendants, listed as John Does and John Roes in the filing.
Lawsuit: Diana Jenkins, 49, has filed a lawsuit against the anonymous person who bought ‘bots’ to attach her to racist messages sent to RHOBH cast mate Garcelle Beauvais’ 14-year-old son
The paper explained that lawyers recommend filing suit in online defamation cases ‘even before the defendant is known to avoid losing their rights under the statute of limitations.’
Diana, 49, and Garcelle, 55, have had some heated on-camera disagreements during the current season of RHOBH.
The lawsuit maintains these have always been respectful exchanges, but that ‘Two weeks ago, Defendant used ‘bots’ to post racist and threatening messages targeting Ms. Beauvais’ fourteen-year-old son,’ and referred to the person behind the campaign as ‘morally bankrupt.’
The Neuro drinks founder contends that some of these bots have thousands of followers and that the posts have not only damaged her career, but have lead to threats against her and her family.
Attacks: The attacks began in August and hateful messages were sent to Jax, 14, in the white jacket, seen here with his mother and twin brother, Jaid, Los Angeles June 2022
The lawsuit credits internet sleuths who have tied the attacks to social media bots and not real people.
Plea: After her son was targeted, the Coming to America star took to social media to issue a plea to leave her children alone
After the attacks began in August, Garcelle posted on social media writing, ‘I’m usually a very strong woman. I’ve been raised to be strong and my life has taught me to be strong, but when it comes to my kids! It hurts, it’s not OK I’ve been in tears all night and it’s just a TV show people scream at your TV throw something at your TV, but leave our kids alone.’
Jax also took to social media with, ‘I did not sign up for this show, nor do I have anything to do with the show’s drama. However, middle-aged women spamming me with racist and crude comments about my family is not what I expected for my first week of high school.’
It’s unclear why Jax, who has a twin brother, Jaid, was targeted.
Respectful: The filed complaint recounts that Diana and Garcelle has been involved in some heated exchanges during the current season, but they were always respectful. She call the perpetrator ‘morally bankrupt’
Lisa Rinna, 59, spoke to the drama on which the reality show thrives, writing on social media, ‘We are doing a TV show. We try to entertain you. Why can’t you treat it like wrestling for gods’ sakes? Love us, love to hate us, but leave the kids alone.’
The mother of two, who shares daughters Delilah, 24, and Amelia, 21, with husband Harry Hamlin, 70, spoke of the harassment her children have received with ‘What you’ve said and done to my own kids [is] disgusting.’
Diana is seeking unspecified damages, once the perpetrator has been identified and brought before the court. In the meantime, it’s been reported by TMZ that the entrepreneur will not be taking part in the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills reunion episode. A source claims she has been diagnosed with Covid-19.
Reunion: Diana will not be participating in the upcoming RHOBH reunion episode. A source told TMZ she has been diagnosed with Covid-19