In-N-Out Burger has filed a lawsuit against YouTuber Bryan Arnett for trespassing, copyright infringement, and business defamation, stemming from his recent pranks linked to the popular burger chain. The legal action comes after Arnett engaged in a series of stunts that the company describes as “lewd, unsettling, and bizarre,” including impersonating an employee at various locations. This move has escalated tensions between Arnett, who has a history of filming prank videos in In-N-Out’s establishments, and the brand that takes its reputation seriously. Arnett addressed his 334,000 subscribers in response to the lawsuit, stating he anticipated potential backlash from his actions, but expressed surprise at the severity of the legal action against him.
In-N-Out is seeking significant damages as a result of Arnett’s actions, including a jury trial. The company asserts that it wants to recover all losses incurred due to his antics, potentially tripling the awarded amount under certain legal conditions. The lawsuit, initiated on June 20, specifically mentions that Arnett had been previously sent a cease-and-desist letter on May 2, which he claims he never received, likely due to it being sent to an outdated address. Despite this, his continued pranks without taking down the referenced videos sparked In-N-Out’s decision to escalate the matter legally.
In its complaint, In-N-Out outlines a series of alleged actions by Arnett, including impersonating employees while making inappropriate comments to customers. For example, he reportedly told patrons that their food contained cockroaches and other unsavory items. Such acts not only damage the brand’s family-friendly image but also mislead customers into believing the company endorses such behavior. The firm asserts that at least one customer felt compelled to contact their customer service line to report Arnett after he posed as an employee.
Arnett’s defense is rooted in his acknowledgment of the risks inherent in his content creation approach. He admits to knowing he was “teetering on the line” but maintains that he doesn’t feel guilty for his actions. In a video titled “I’m being sued,” he expressed that he understood the potential consequences but was largely unaware of the lawsuit until it was reported in the media. Despite his cavalier remarks, the implications of his actions have brought about serious legal challenges that threaten to permanently affect his relationship with the burger chain.
The company has been proactive in defending its brand image and has a track record of taking legal action against impersonators and pranksters. In-N-Out’s counterattack against Arnett is indicative of its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its name, especially as social media’s role in amplifying such incidents grows. By seeking a restraining order to prevent Arnett from entering any In-N-Out locations, the company aims to protect its customers and maintain a level of trust that it has built over the years.
As the case stands, the outcomes are still uncertain—whether it will resolve through a settlement or proceed to trial could significantly influence both parties financially and reputationally. If In-N-Out prevails, Arnett may face not only severe financial repercussions but also a lifetime exclusion from all In-N-Out venues, along with the forfeiture of any monetary gains made from his prank videos. The case raises important questions about the boundaries of humor in content creation, responsibility towards audiences, and the liability of influencers in an increasingly interconnected world.
