LA Judge Demotes Key Social Media Case Lawyer for Tech Missteps

Prominent plaintiff's attorney removed from steering committee after violating court rules on technology use

Feb. 21, 2026 at 12:03am

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A prominent plaintiff's attorney in the social media addiction trial unfolding in Los Angeles lost his leadership role on the plaintiffs' steering committee after twice breaking the court's rules on technology use in the building. Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl removed Social Media Victims Law Center founder Matthew Bergman from the committee following reports that he conducted a Zoom interview with the BBC from the first floor of the courthouse, where recording is prohibited.

Why it matters

This case is a landmark trial over social media addiction, and the judge's decision to demote a key plaintiff's attorney highlights the importance of following court rules and procedures, especially in high-profile cases that could set important legal precedents.

The details

Bergman said the day was chaotic and that he was unaware of the prohibition on recording. However, the judge determined that his actions were disruptive to the proceedings and warranted his removal from the steering committee, which plays a critical role in managing the case.

  • The incident occurred on Wednesday, the day Meta Platforms Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the witness stand during the trial.
  • Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl removed Matthew Bergman from the plaintiffs' steering committee on Friday.

The players

Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl

The judge presiding over the social media addiction trial in Los Angeles.

Matthew Bergman

The founder of the Social Media Victims Law Center and a prominent plaintiff's attorney in the social media addiction trial.

Meta Platforms Inc.

The parent company of Facebook, which is a defendant in the landmark trial over social media addiction.

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What they’re saying

“The day was chaotic and I was unaware of the prohibition on recording.”

— Matthew Bergman

What’s next

The judge's decision to remove Bergman from the plaintiffs' steering committee is likely to be a significant development in the ongoing trial, as it could impact the strategy and coordination of the plaintiffs' legal team.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of following court rules and procedures, even for experienced attorneys, in high-profile trials that could set important legal precedents. The judge's decision to demote a key plaintiff's attorney serves as a reminder that all parties must adhere to the court's guidelines to ensure the integrity of the judicial process.