Parents of 9-year-old Kansas City Chiefs fan accused of blackface sue Deadspin for defamation

Delaware: The parents of 9-year-old Holden Armenta have filed a defamation lawsuit against the sports website Deadspin.

The lawsuit is in response to an article published on November 23, 2023, which suggested that their son "found a way to hate Black people and the Native American at the same time" through his choice of attire at a Kansas City Chiefs game.

The Armentas, Raul Jr, and Shannon have taken this legal action following the publication of the article by Deadspin reporter Carron Phillips.

The article focused on Holden's costume headdress and face paint, traditional symbols of support for the Chiefs, and interpreted them as racially insensitive.

The Armentas have countered these allegations, accusing Deadspin of intentionally selecting a photo that emphasized the black paint, thereby creating an unnecessary "division." per the New York Post.

Armenta family takes on Deadspin over controversial article

Shannon and Raul, parents of Holden Armenta, have claimed that Deadspin deliberately released a slanderous article, subjecting their family "to a barrage of hate, including death threats."

The lawsuit, filed in Delaware, reads, "The Article falsely alleged that [Holden] had 'found a way to hate Black people and the Native Americans at the same time.'

It stated that [Holden]'s parents, Shannon and Raul, 'taught' [Holden] 'racism and hate' at home."

"It intentionally painted a picture of the Armenta Family as anti-Black, anti-Native American bigots who proudly engaged in the worst kind of racist conduct motivated by their family’s hatred for Black and Native Americans."

Holden's parents released photos showing his face painted in two distinct colors

The filing of the lawsuit came in the wake of several weeks of legal warnings from the Armentas.

They insisted that the sports news website and its lead writer, Caron Phillips, retract his article titled "The NFL needs to speak out against the Kansas City Chiefs fan in Black face, Native headdress."

The article showcased a photograph of the young boy, broadcasted on CBS Sports during the November 26 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The image depicted him in profile, seemingly wearing blackface and a traditional Native American headdress.

However, the article failed to mention that the other half of the boy's face was painted bright red, representing two of the Chiefs' team colors.

The Armentas argue that Deadspin and Phillips deliberately used this image to unjustly attack their nine-year-old son and them for Phillips' racially charged political agenda.

In the article, Phillips claimed that the boy had managed to "disrespect two groups of people at once," which has since been labeled as "purposely deceiving" by a community note on X.

The story immediately ignited controversy, with the Armentas spearheading the opposition against Deadspin.

Holden's parents released several photos showing his face painted in two distinct colors.

They also revealed the surprising fact that Holden himself is Native American, with his grandfather serving on the board of the Chumash Tribe in Santa Ynez, California.

Despite the Armentas' repeated demands for Deadspin to retract the article and apologize to the family, the outlet did neither, according to the lawsuit.

Instead, Deadspin subtly revised the story, removing Holden's image and adding an editor's note expressing regret for any implication that they were attacking the 9-year-old boy.

What are Kansas City Chiefs fan's demands?

However, the family asserts that the harm had already been inflicted. They claim that Holden was subjected to online abuse, being labeled with derogatory terms, and even receiving death threats involving a "wood chipper."

"Deadspin has gone too far. [Holden] should not have to live with his face being plastered on social media alongside false and defamatory accusations of racist conduct," per the lawsuit.

"His parents should not be forced to live with the false and defamatory allegation that they are teaching hate in the home."

"The Armenta Family brings this lawsuit to set the record straight and to hold Deadspin accountable for willfully spreading incendiary lies about a nine-year-old child who it chose as a vehicle for its race-baiting agenda." 

The family is now seeking unspecified damages and any other "remedies as the Court may deem just and proper."

Internet claims Deadspin deserves to be 'sued'

A user took to Facebook and wrote, "Media outlets have reached a new low in attacking a 9 yo boy for being a hateful racist because he dressed, and face painted, in the Kansas City Chiefs colors."

They added, "I’m pretty sure he didn’t buy those makeup colors in the deep undergroun."

"And the kicker is, while he’s spreading all that hate, he‘s actually a native American. I hope his parents win- enough is enough!"

Another person opined, "Should have done this sooner. They deserve to be sued!"

"Good sue them right out of business!!!" added another. "Good. Hope they win," said another.

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