The legal dispute between YouTuber Benjamin Schneider, known as Reckless Ben, and Bricks & Minifigs has moved to federal court after a Utah judge declined to approve changes to a temporary restraining order. The case was removed to the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah on June 26, 2024, by Schneider, Reckless Ben LLC, and Victor Nguyen, citing diversity jurisdiction with over $300,000 in dispute.
Background of the Dispute
Schneider has been covering a dispute involving Bricks & Minifigs, the Mansell family, and former operators of the company’s Salem, Oregon franchise. His investigation led to a lawsuit filed by BAM Franchising Inc. and other plaintiffs against Schneider, Reckless Ben LLC, Bryan Mansell, and Victor Nguyen. Schneider has stated that Part 3 of his YouTube investigation is finished but cannot be released due to the restraining order. In a June 9 video titled “My final message,” he told viewers, “I can’t post it, or I will go to jail.”
Attempt to Modify the Restraining Order
On June 24, both sides asked the court to modify the temporary restraining order and convert it into a preliminary injunction. The proposed version would have maintained bans on threats, doxxing, trespassing, impersonation, and interference with Bricks & Minifigs, while allowing defendants to comment on the case, publish court filings, and share investigative journalism, criticism, satire, and commentary on platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and podcasts. However, Judge Tony F. Graf Jr. declined to sign the revised order, stating that one section remained “very broad.” The court specifically raised concerns about language restricting defendants from entering or filming near Bricks & Minifigs locations, employee homes, and franchisee properties, noting it was unclear which sites and people were covered. The judge also pointed out that the proposal did not address videos that had already been removed.
Move to Federal Court
Before any revised order was approved, Schneider, Reckless Ben LLC, and Victor Nguyen filed a Notice of Removal on June 26, moving the case to federal court. The filing asserts federal jurisdiction because the parties are from different states and the amount in controversy exceeds $300,000. This action pauses the state court proceedings unless the case is remanded. The fight over the restraining order is now expected to continue in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah.
