The hoax that dominated national headlines in 2021 has now collapsed under courtroom scrutiny, after a Texas jury found that explosive allegations against a Plano middle schooler were fabricated for profit and publicity. The ruling marks a dramatic reversal in a case that once sparked protests, viral outrage, and wall-to-wall media coverage.
In March 2021, activists and major outlets claimed white classmates had racially “tortured” SeMarion Humphrey during a sleepover. The accusations ignited demonstrations outside the home of Asher Vann, the alleged ringleader, and fueled a GoFundMe promoted on national television. Nearly five years later, a racially diverse Texas jury concluded the story was a hoax.
On Jan. 22, Judge Benjamin Smith ordered Humphrey’s mother, Summer Smith, and attorney Kim Cole to pay $3.2 million to Vann for intentionally smearing him. Jurors found the pair orchestrated the allegations to elevate profiles and raise money. Financial records showed less than $1,000 of the nearly $120,000 GoFundMe went to Humphrey’s schooling.
Vann said the media frenzy devastated his family. “I was getting death threats from thousands of people on social media,” he told the Washington Free Beacon. “People leaked my address and my name.” He added, “It was scary. These were adults, and I was in middle school at the time.”
Police testimony later confirmed race played no role. Officer Patricia McClure said she lacked probable cause, while a black assistant principal also found no racial motive. The jury agreed, determining the incident involved immature behavior, not a hate crime.
