PITTSBURGH - A loss of followers is cited in a defamation lawsuit by a tattoo artist and social media influencer against his ex-girlfriend.
Robert Veitch filed a lawsuit May 20 in Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas against Abigail Richards.
Veitch, a professional tattoo artist and social media influencer known as Bobby Vivid, accuses Richards of defamation, false light, and tortious interference with contractual relations.
The complaint details a tumultuous relationship between the two that began in April 2023 and ended in May 2024. Veitch alleges that after their breakup, Richards posted allegedly defamatory content on her social media accounts accusing him of physical abuse and infidelity, which led to his firing from Sage Crystal Tattoo and significant damage to his reputation and income.
Veitch says he has a number of sponsorships on his TikTok account BobbyVVivid. He says he has lost at least 30,000 followers.
"In a field such as tattoo artistry, where trust in one's artist is vital, Defendant's actions have caused tens of thousands of potential clients to distrust Plaintiff," the suit says.
Anthony Werner of Anderson & Labovitz represents the plaintiff.