On March 31, 2025, a Queensland court in Australia delivered a surprising verdict in a high-profile defamation lawsuit between arcade gaming legend Billy Mitchell and popular YouTuber Karl Jobst. Known for his record-breaking scores in Donkey Kong and his polarizing reputation in the gaming community, Mitchell emerged victorious. Jobst was ordered to pay over USD 237,000 (approximately AUD 380,000) in damages. This blog post dives deep into the case, explaining what happened, why it matters, and what it means for content creators online—all in simple English.
Who Are Billy Mitchell and Karl Jobst?
Before we unpack the lawsuit, let’s get to know the key players.
- Billy Mitchell: Often called the “King of Kong,” Mitchell rose to fame in the 1980s for achieving record-breaking scores in classic arcade games like Donkey Kong and Pac-Man. His legacy, however, has been clouded by controversy. Many in the speedrunning and gaming communities, including Karl Jobst, have accused him of cheating to secure those records, claims that led to his scores being temporarily removed by Twin Galaxies and Guinness World Records (though later reinstated in a historical database). Mitchell’s larger-than-life personality was spotlighted in the 2007 documentary The King of Kong, cementing his status as a divisive figure.
- Karl Jobst: A well-known YouTuber with over a million subscribers, Jobst is a speedrunner and gaming investigator. He’s built a reputation for exposing cheating scandals and fraud in the gaming world, covering topics like speedrunning records and high-profile controversies. His thorough research and engaging videos have earned him a loyal following, but his bold statements landed him in hot water with Mitchell.
This lawsuit wasn’t about Mitchell’s gaming records, though—it was about something far more serious.
What Was the Lawsuit About?
The defamation case stemmed from a YouTube video Jobst posted on May 26, 2021, titled “The Biggest Conmen in Video Game History Strike Again!” In it, Jobst made several claims about Mitchell. Still, the court zeroed in on one specific accusation involving another YouTuber, Apollo Legend (real name Benjamin Smith), who tragically took his own life in December 2020.
- Mitchell sued Apollo Legend for $1 million.
- Apollo settled with Mitchell, forcing him to remove videos accusing Mitchell of cheating and pay a large sum of money.
- This settlement left Apollo in deep debt, requiring extra work despite health issues, which Jobst claimed contributed to his suicide.
- Jobst added that Mitchell didn’t care about Apollo’s death and even “expressed joy” when he thought Apollo had died earlier.
Mitchell’s lawyers argued that these statements painted him as responsible for Apollo’s death, severely damaging his reputation. The court agreed, finding that Jobst’s claims were reckless and untrue. Notably, the settlement between Mitchell and Apollo didn’t involve any payment—Apollo was only required to remove content and refrain from future posts about Mitchell, with a $25,000 fine for violations. Jobst’s assertion about a “large sum of money” was baseless, and the judge ruled it defamatory.
The Court’s Ruling: Why Did Billy Mitchell Win?
On March 31, 2025, Judge Ken Barlow of the Brisbane District Court delivered the verdict, which was briefly streamed live on YouTube before being removed. Here’s what the ruling revealed:
- Damages Awarded:
- Non-economic loss: AUD 300,000 (about $187,800 USD) for harm to Mitchell’s reputation and personal distress.
- Aggravated damages: $50,000 AUD (about $31,300 USD) due to Jobst’s “aggravating conduct,” like re-uploading the video and failing to apologize.
- Interest: Over $40,000 AUD, bringing the total to roughly $380,000 AUD ($237,000 USD).
- Mitchell’s legal costs may also be added, pending further submissions.
- Key Findings:
- The judge found Jobst’s statements about Apollo Legend to be false and made with “reckless indifference” to the truth.
- Jobst’s actions, including mocking Mitchell and showing malice, worsened the damage.
- The video, viewed by over 500,000 people, caused “substantial additional harm” to Mitchell’s reputation.
- Not About Cheating:
- Importantly, the case didn’t address whether Mitchell cheated in Donkey Kong. The focus was solely on the Apollo Legend claims, which the court deemed far more damaging than cheating allegations.
Jobst admitted the loss on X, saying, “I lost. The judge found Billy to be a credible witness and believed his entire testimony. From that point on, unfortunately, there was really nothing that could have saved me.”
How Did This Happen? The Timeline
- May 26, 2021: Jobst uploads the video, including the Apollo Legend claims.
- June 4, 2021: After a call from YouTuber Keemstar, who relayed Mitchell’s objection, Jobst edits out the payment claim but keeps the video up, tweeting he’d rather fight over Mitchell’s “fake Donkey Kong scores.”
- September 2021: Mitchell files the defamation lawsuit in Brisbane, seeking $450,000 AUD.
- 2023: Jobst raises over $200,000 AUD via a GoFundMe for his defense, framing Mitchell as a “proven cheater” likely to lose.
- September-October 2024: The trial unfolds in Brisbane.
- March 31, 2025: The court rules in Mitchell’s favor.
Jobst’s defense hinged on transparency issues and his belief that Mitchell’s reputation was already tarnished by cheating allegations. However, the judge prioritized the specific harm from the Apollo claims, not Mitchell’s broader public image.
Why This Matters for Content Creators
This case is a wake-up call for YouTubers and online creators. Here’s why:
- Words Have Consequences:
- Jobst’s casual, unverified claim about Apollo Legend cost him dearly. Even if you’re exposing wrongdoing, accuracy is critical.
- Defamation Laws Are Serious:
- In Australia, defamation laws favor protecting reputations over free speech compared to the U.S. Jobst’s “reckless indifference” to the truth sealed his fate.
- Legal Costs Add Up:
- Beyond the $237,000 USD in damages, Jobst likely spent heavily on legal fees, despite crowdfunding support. Appeals could raise the stakes further.
- Transparency Builds Trust:
- Jobst’s lack of clarity about the lawsuit’s focus (Apollo vs. cheating) frustrated supporters who donated, expecting a different fight. Clear communication matters.
What’s Next for Karl Jobst and Billy Mitchell?
- Karl Jobst: Jobst may appeal, though success is uncertain under Australian law. He’s promised to “work hard to repay” supporters, suggesting financial strain. His YouTube career could take a hit, but his investigative skills might help him rebound if he learns from this.
- Billy Mitchell: Celebrating the win on X with “Nothing like the smell of victory,” Mitchell’s plan worked. This victory doesn’t clear his cheating allegations but bolsters his legal track record after settling with Twin Galaxies in 2024.
Lessons Learned: How to Avoid Defamation as a Creator
- Fact-Check Everything: Verify claims with solid evidence, especially about sensitive topics like death or finances.
- Consult Lawyers: Legal review can catch risky statements before they go live.
- Stay Humble: Antagonizing targets, as Jobst did with Mitchell, can backfire in court.
- Be Transparent: Clearly explain your content and legal battles to your audience.
Final Thoughts
Billy Mitchell’s win over Karl Jobst shocked many who saw this as a battle over gaming records. Instead, it was a lesson in the power of words and the risks of unchecked statements online. For Jobst, it’s a costly setback; for Mitchell, a rare triumph amid years of scrutiny. For the rest of us, it’s a reminder to tread carefully in the digital age.
What do you think about the verdict? Should Jobst appeal, or is this a fair outcome? Share your thoughts below, and subscribe for more updates on gaming controversies!
Mitchell sued Jobst for defamation over false claims linking him to Apollo Legend’s death, not just cheating allegations.
Jobst was ordered to pay AUD 380,000 (about USD 237,000) in damages, plus potential legal costs.
Yes, Jobst can appeal, but success is uncertain under Australian defamation law, depending on new evidence or legal errors.
Author Section
About the Author: Alex Harper
Alex Harper is a seasoned legal analyst and content strategist with over a decade of experience in lawsuit coverage and SEO optimization. A former litigator turned writer, Alex combines courtroom expertise with a knack for crafting engaging, trustworthy content. Passionate about gaming culture and digital law, Alex delivers in-depth insights to help readers navigate complex cases like Mitchell vs. Jobst. When not writing, Alex enjoys retro gaming and advocating for online creator rights. Connect with Alex on X @LegalGamerAlex.
