Bricks & Minifigs reaches settlement in viral missing $200k LEGO Star Wars saga
After months of conflict and several full-blown investigations from YouTube creators, Bricks & Minifigs (BAM) has finally reached a settlement agreement with the Mansell family amid claims that more than $200,000 worth of Star Wars LEGO was 'stolen' by a franchise store.
The Mansell family, alongside YouTuber Ben "Reckless Ben" Schneider, was locked in a legal dispute with Bricks & Minifigs which looked to be moving to federal court, yet the issues appear to now be resolved despite significant tensions between the various parties.
It all began when Reckless Ben shared a video highlighting the claims of Bryan Mansell, who had entered into a consignment agreement with the BAM store in Salem/Keizer, Oregon, to sell one of the world's largest LEGO Star Wars collections.
Some might not necessarily agree with Schneider's methods – especially as he was arrested for his actions and even threatened with a second-degree felony – but it certainly caught the attention of social media, turning Mansell's situation into a viral scandal.
Bricks & Minifigs agrees settlement over 'stolen' LEGO claims
As reported by Dexerto, a new joint statement from Bricks & Minifigs leadership and the Mansell family has outlined how the company has now reached a settlement agreement, dismissing their lawsuit against Bryan Mansell in the process.
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It has confirmed that the Mansell family has now been compensated for all losses connected to the aforementioned consignment agreement, which BAM denotes was incorrectly arranged, although the statement makes clear that the settlement is not an admission of liability, wrongdoing, or unlawful conduct from either party.
"BAM recognizes that the Mansell family experienced a genuine loss, prolonged uncertainty and considerable frustration after the original contract was not properly administered by the former operator of the store, and during the transition from the former operator to the replacement franchisees," the statement illustrates.
"BAM regrets that it did not more quickly access information necessary to understand and resolve the matter," it continues. "BAM has issued an unqualifying apology to the Mansell family for the losses and pain suffered from the events surrounding this dispute."
Another key part of this settlement involves the assignment of claims from the original consignment agreement to Bricks & Minifigs, which allows the company the opportunity to pursue any parties it believes to be responsible for the original issues that emerged.
BAM's claims against Reckless Ben remain ongoing
While things appear to be completely resolved between the Mansell family and Bricks & Minifigs, the same unfortunately cannot be said for Reckless Ben, as the company's litigation against the YouTuber persists.
For the Mansell case it solely related to the claims made by the family in relation to allegedly stolen goods, but for Schneider it solely involves his behavior directed at Bricks & Minifigs stores, employees, and leadership.
As BAM CEO Ammon McNeff appears to be seeking a second-degree felony charge for Schneider, with potential charges for 'aggravated commercial obstruction' through Utah Code § 76-9-114, that could leave the YouTuber facing up to 15 years in prison.
Schneider has released a video directly responding to these allegations, unilaterally denying the claims made by McNeff and seemingly backing that up with video evidence, but the legal challenge remains ongoing.