Featured Image Credit: GoFundMe
Topics: News, US News, Crime, Parenting, Social Media
Lucy Devine
An online fundraiser has been set up to support a dad who is facing charges after an alleged altercation with an influencer.
David Vulin was arrested after a confrontation in Los Angeles, when he and husband Anthony Vulin were approached by conservative influencer Ryley Niemi, who was allegedly creating content based on street interview clips.
The dads were walking with their newborn baby when they were approached by Niemi and a small film team.
The GoFundMe, which has exceeded $180,419 (£132,497), claims: "Our family is currently navigating an unexpected and deeply difficult legal situation that arose after a hostile and discriminatory encounter during a routine nightly walk in our West Hollywood neighborhood.
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"As a gay couple with our newborn baby, we were targeted in a way that was deeply upsetting and destabilizing for our family. My husband and I have fought incredibly hard to build the life we have today and to welcome our baby into it, which makes this moment especially painful and overwhelming."
It goes on to add: "As a result, my husband, David, is now facing a legal process, and the cost of securing proper representation is significant. David is a devoted parent to our newborn baby and an incredibly important part of our lives. Right now, our focus is simply on keeping our family stable, supported, and together as we move through this. We’re asking for help to cover legal fees and related expenses so that he can have fair representation during this time."
In a video shared by Niemi on social media, the influencer can be seen asking the couple if they are aware of 'statistics' involving gay men and children.
He then says: "Don't you think it's weird that you guys have a child but neither of you are a woman?"
David and Anthony look visibly uncomfortable at the questions, with Niemi then saying: "So you had a surrogate? You paid a woman $50,000 to be pregnant?"
The couple then begin to walk away, and David can be seen seemingly shoving Niemi.
The video then cuts to another clip, in which Niemi claims he's worried about the baby's safety. David then appears to hit Niemi and was later arrested for assault and released after 12 hours.
Niemi's team has launched their own fundraiser, to 'replace essential equipment' that they claim was damaged in the encounter.
The page reads: "On April 16, 2026, what started as a routine interaction quickly escalated into a violent encounter. Ryley was physically assaulted, and the situation became serious enough that over a dozen emergency responders arrived at the scene.
"In the middle of the incident, one of our primary cameras, a Sony A7C II, was completely destroyed.
"We are currently taking the appropriate steps to pursue justice through the proper legal channels.
"This moment has also created a significant setback for us operationally. Our ability to document, produce content, and continue showing up consistently relies on having the right equipment in the field, and losing that has limited what we can do moving forward. We also want to ensure future safety through security."
Following the overwhelming support, David and Anthony Vulin have shared an update, explaining they have been able to hire an attorney.
"Because of all of you, we’ve been able to hire an attorney and start taking the proper steps to navigate this process. Your support has made a real and immediate difference," they said.
"We wish we could give each and every one of you a hug. Please know how deeply grateful we are for your kindness and for showing up for us in this way."
Tyla has reached out to the LAPD for comment.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the LGBT Foundation on 0345 3 30 30 30, 10am–6pm Monday to Friday, or email [email protected].