Bronx father files $50m lawsuit against Meta Platforms after daughter's death
Tony Mizell announced the lawsuit Monday alongside his attorneys, alleging Meta’s algorithms fueled a monthslong cyberbullying campaign that preceded the fatal stabbing of his 17-year-old daughter, Emery, in Soundview in May 2024.
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A Bronx father is speaking publicly for the first time after filing a $50 million lawsuit against Meta Platforms, accusing the social media company of playing a role in the death of his teenage daughter.
Tony Mizell announced the lawsuit Monday alongside his attorneys, alleging Meta’s algorithms fueled a monthslong cyberbullying campaign that preceded the fatal stabbing of his 17-year-old daughter, Emery, in Soundview in May 2024.
“This lawsuit is not just about money damages. It’s about accountability. Meta should be held accountable for what happened here,” attorney Sanford Rubenstein said during the news conference.
According to the lawsuit, Emery was a senior at Metropolitan Soundview High School and was one month away from graduation when she was stabbed to death in Soundview.
“She was a smart girl. She wanted to be a nurse. She liked to dance. She could rap. She helped out a lot,” Mizell said. “I taught her how to cook. My world is upside down. I’m bringing this because this is a parent’s worst nightmare and I don’t want nobody else to have to go through this.”
The lawsuit alleges the suspect, a 16-year-old girl in foster care, never met Emery in person and only communicated with her through Instagram before the killing.
Attorney Mark Shirian said the lawsuit claims Meta failed to provide adequate safeguards and warnings to users and parents.
“It’s built to keep kids addicted to the app and spending more time on it,” Shirian said. “And there aren’t safeguards in place. There are no warnings that this bullying is happening on the app.”
When asked what safeguards social media companies should implement to prevent similar incidents, Shirian said, “I can’t comment specifically on what should have been done, but more warnings could help parents become aware this type of bullying is occurring.”
News 12 reached out to Meta for comment, but the company declined to comment on the specific case.
“I wish I could have been there to stop it,” Mizell said.
