Gay Dad Avoids Prosecution After Viral Confrontation With Anti-LGBTQIA+ Influencer

A West Hollywood gay dad who punched a conservative influencer during a confrontation over his family will not face criminal prosecution after completing a pre-filing diversion agreement.

David Vulin was walking with his husband, Anthony, and their infant son in April when they were approached by Ryley Niemi, a self-described “MAGA influencer”. The encounter escalated after Niemi questioned their parenting and made an unsupported claim linking gay men to child sexual abuse.

Shortly afterwards the altercation became phsyical, with their case now going viral online.

Gay Dad David Vulin will not face prosecution

According to WEHO TIMES, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office confirmed that no charges would be filed against the gay dad. Vulin’s lawyer, R.J. Dreiling, said his client had completed the agreement’s requirements but declined to disclose its conditions.

Dreiling also said a judge had agreed to seal Vulin’s arrest records.

The decision resolves the matter, which has attracted widespread attention and financial support for the family from across the globe.

Anthony told WEHOonline that Niemi and his group initially claimed to represent CNN when they approached him on the street. He said he later asked Niemi to stop recording, but the filming continued.

Footage published online shows David shoving Niemi before a subsequent confrontation in which he punches him. The published video does not show Niemi striking either father.

David was arrested on suspicion of battery and felony vandalism following an allegation that camera equipment had been damaged. The couple disputed damaging the equipment.

Niemi has objected to the decision against prosecution, claiming that he suffered a concussion and said he may pursue a civil lawsuit.

Following the altercation and the viral video, Anthony reported that he had received a threatening call referencing his real estate business, and the couple said the experience left them feeling unsafe at home.

The pair have since launched a gofundme page to assist with their legal costs which has collected more than US$212,000. In the appeal, Anthony described the strain of securing legal representation while caring for a newborn.

The couple now say they want their experience to lead to broader protections against deliberately provocative online content.

“But we’re determined to turn this into something meaningful,” they said in a statement published by WEHOonline.

They said Anthony was working with state legislators on a proposed bill to hold creators accountable for harm caused by rage-bait encounters. No legislators or bill number were identified in that report.