Ethan Klein of the H3 Podcast is getting ready for a legal battle against Twitch streamer Denims following a distressing visit from Child Protective Services. The CPS visit was allegedly triggered by false rumors circulating online that Klein’s child was neglected and had contracted an illness from unsupervised interaction with the family dog.
The controversy erupted when claims spread that Klein’s child had contracted Giardia after eating dog feces. Klein and his wife Hila quickly refuted these allegations, clarifying that while their rescue dog did have Giardia, the illness didn’t affect any family members.
Klein directly blamed Denims for amplifying these rumors during her livestream, which he believes led to the CPS investigation. The H3 Podcast host described the home visit as an intensely stressful experience for his family, prompting his decision to pursue legal action.
“You can hate a person as much as you want, but dragging their family into it should be an obvious red line,” commented one supporter, echoing the sentiment of many in Klein’s corner.
Not everyone is convinced the lawsuit has merit. California defamation laws typically require public figures like Klein to prove actual malice or reckless disregard for the truth.
Some online commentators question whether the case would survive an anti-SLAPP motion, which protects free speech against strategic lawsuits.Others have claimed the controversy stems from Klein’s own statements on his podcast being discussed by others, complicating the legal picture.
Legal experts point out that Klein must demonstrate a direct link between Denims’ statements and the CPS investigation to have a viable case.
This isn’t Klein’s first legal drama. He and Hila have previously been involved in several high-profile controversies with other internet personalities. The couple is known for their commentary on internet culture and current events through their popular H3 Podcast.
