Texas Mom, Lawyer Ordered to Pay $3.2M to Teen They Accused of Racial Bullying

Summer Smith and her attorney were found liable for intentional infliction of emotional distress and publicizing a teen's private information.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A Texas mother and her lawyer have been ordered to pay $3.2 million in damages to a 19-year-old middle school student they accused of racially motivated bullying of the mother's son in 2021. The jury found that the allegations made by the mother and her attorney were false and caused significant harm to the teen, who was cleared of any wrongdoing by school and law enforcement investigations.

Why it matters

This case highlights the potential consequences of making unsubstantiated claims of racial bias, especially when they result in significant public backlash and damage to an individual's reputation. It also raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of attorneys and the potential misuse of crowdfunding platforms to amplify unproven allegations.

The details

In 2021, Summer Smith accused Asher Vann, a white middle school student, of inviting her Black son to a sleepover party with the intent to humiliate him by shooting him with a BB gun, calling him racial slurs, and forcing him to drink urine. Smith and her attorney, Kim Cole, launched a viral GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the family, claiming the incident was racially motivated. However, the investigation found no evidence of wrongdoing, and Vann sued Smith and Cole for intentional infliction of emotional distress and publicizing his private information. The jury sided with Vann, finding that the allegations were false and caused significant harm to the teen.

  • In February 2021, the alleged incident took place at a sleepover party for Vann's birthday.
  • In 2026, the jury verdict ordering Smith and Cole to pay $3.2 million in damages to Vann was upheld by a judge.

The players

Summer Smith

A Texas mother who accused a middle school student of racially motivated bullying of her son.

Kim Cole

The attorney who represented Summer Smith and launched a viral GoFundMe campaign to raise money for the family.

Asher Vann

A 19-year-old middle school student who was accused of racially motivated bullying and was ordered by a jury to receive $3.2 million in damages from Smith and Cole.

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What they’re saying

“This wasn't me doing a racist act. This isn't me hating someone because of their skin color. This was me at an immature stage of my life at a sleepover for my birthday, doing immature dumb things.”

— Asher Vann (WFAA)

“Things are getting better. But I don't feel like I am who I should've been at this age because of that.”

— Asher Vann (WFAA)

“What happened to my son happened. It was a crime. It was an assault.”

— Summer Smith (The Dallas Morning News)

What’s next

Smith and Cole have stated that they plan to appeal the jury verdict.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thoroughly investigating claims of racial bias before making public accusations, as well as the potential legal consequences for individuals and attorneys who make unsubstantiated allegations that cause significant harm to others.