DETROIT – Detroit Lions season ticket holder Ryan Kennedy has filed a defamation lawsuit against Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, NFL legend Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, and multiple media companies over allegations of a racial slur.
Kennedy, a mortgage company CEO, filed the suit with the Marko Law Firm on Tuesday (Feb. 3) in Wayne County Circuit Court, seeking $100 million for defamation, negligence, and other claims after allegedly being falsely branded as a racist in the national media.
Kennedy’s lawsuit follows false accusations made in the national media that he used racial and derogatory slurs during a Dec. 21, 2025, incident at Ford Field.
Kennedy claims he was assaulted during the Lions vs. Steelers game by Metcalf.
–> Detroit Lions fan denies using racial slurs in altercation with Steelers’ DK Metcalf at Ford Field
What happened
During the Week 16 matchup, Metcalf went to the stands and engaged with Kennedy.
Video appeared to show Metcalf tugging at the Kennedys’ blue wig before swinging a closed fist in his direction.
It was unclear whether the punch made contact or merely glanced past, but Metcalf avoided an ejection in the 29-24 victory.
Lawsuit
The lawsuit alleges that Johnson, appearing on the widely viewed “Nightcap” podcast co-hosted by Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe, falsely claimed Kennedy called Metcalf the “N-word” and referred to Metcalf’s mother using a misogynistic slur.
Kennedy categorically denies those statements, and no video or audio evidence supports the allegations.
The allegations went viral on social media, garnering millions of views and branding Kennedy as a racist on a national scale.
As a result, Kennedy said he has faced death threats, hate mail, and severe damage to his business reputation.
The complaint also alleges that Metcalf physically assaulted Kennedy during the game by reaching into the stands, grabbing him by the shirt collar, and engaging in unwanted physical contact without provocation.
Kennedy is seeking damages and court-ordered public retractions from all defendants to clear his name.
He maintains that he never used any racial slurs or hate speech and has been falsely accused, publicly vilified, and subjected to harassment based on complete fabrications.
A press conference will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 4.
Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.