A Collin County civil jury has issued a $3.2 million judgment in a high-profile case tied to viral social media accusations stemming from a 2021 middle school sleepover incident in Plano, Texas.
What Started It
In 2021, a Plano middle school sleepover became a national story after a Snapchat video circulated online.
According to court filings and reporting, the video showed a boy drinking from a cup of apple juice that allegedly contained a small amount of urine. The clip spread rapidly across social media and became the focus of widespread attention.
What the Mother Posted
After the video circulated, Summer Smith, the boy’s mother, posted on Facebook alleging that a group of students:
• used racial slurs
• shot her son with BB guns
• forced him to drink urine
Her posts included names and photos of students and linked to a Change.org petition. A GoFundMe campaign was also created seeking money for therapy and private school tuition.
How Big It Got
The situation quickly spread far beyond Plano.
News coverage described protests outside the family’s home, along with threats and property damage that followed the viral posts.
What the Collin County Jury Decided
A Collin County civil jury later found Summer Smith and her attorney, Kim T. Cole, liable to Plano student Asher Vann for:
• intentional infliction of emotional distress
• invasion of privacy
What the Judgment Says
According to the Final Judgment from the 380th Judicial District Court:
• Kim T. Cole owes $1,599,000
• Summer Smith owes $1,599,000
Both amounts accrue interest at 7.5 percent per year.
The court also awarded attorney’s fees:
• $1,500 against Cole
• $6,800 against Smith
Those fee amounts also accrue 7.5 percent annual interest.
Key Dates and Case Details
• Jury verdict: October 30, 2025
• Final judgment issued: January 30, 2026 (signed January 22, 2026)
• Court: 380th Judicial District Court, Collin County, Texas
• Cause number: 380-00674-2023
• Judge: Benjamin N. Smith
Where Things Stand Now
Asher Vann has said the “racist bully” label damaged his reputation and social life.
Summer Smith has said she plans to appeal and continues to stand by her actions.
Collin County Context
The case highlights how viral accusations involving minors on social media can lead to major legal consequences when identities and allegations are publicly tied to individuals.
In this case, a Collin County civil jury and district court entered a multimillion-dollar judgment tied to how those accusations were publicly communicated and identified online.