SALEM — A federal judge has lifted a gag order against YouTuber Benjamin Schneider, known online as "Reckless Ben," in a defamation lawsuit filed by Bricks & Minifigs. The company served the order to Schneider in early June.

"I'm just happy to have my freedom of speech back," Schneider said. He noted that he previously could not defend himself without risking jail time. "Bricks & Minifigs would just go on all these news stations, where the CEO would, and just start spouting all these crazy lies about us," Schneider said. "I couldn't defend myself; I couldn't say what the truth was, or else I would go to jail, so it was a pretty insane thing."

The defamation lawsuit is currently in mediation. Schneider stated that Bricks & Minifigs is seeking at least $1.3 million. "Our lawyers are saying it could easily get over $10 million per person, and there are 16 defendants," Schneider said. He originally planned to represent himself but hired five attorneys in the two weeks prior to a recent interview.

The legal dispute centers on allegations involving a missing Lego collection reportedly worth $200,000. Bryan Mansell entered into a consignment agreement with a Bricks & Minifigs franchise in Salem, Oregon, in November 2023. The agreement stipulated that the store would sell the collection, split the proceeds with Mansell, and return any unsold inventory. Mansell learned in early 2024 that the Salem franchise was under new ownership. The new owners stated they had no knowledge of the agreement and did not have the collection in their inventory.

Schneider accused the franchise of theft in a video series, the first episode of which has received more than 6.5 million views. Bricks & Minifigs stated in a June 4 blog post that the franchise was not to blame. The company accused the previous owner of entering an under-the-table consignment agreement and claimed to have evidence of three sets of books maintained by the previous owners regarding the collection. Bricks & Minifigs stated that records show $61,000 of the collection was sold before the franchise changed hands, and Mansell may have received only $15,000 in payments. New owners Brandon Best and Josh Johnson reportedly found a small number of Star Wars products with an estimated at-cost value of $2,000 to $5,000 when they took over the location.

U.S. District Judge David Barlow signed a preliminary injunction replacing an earlier temporary order. The injunction allows those involved in the civil case to comment publicly but requires Schneider and associates to stay at least 100 meters away from any Bricks & Minifigs locations. It also prohibits trespassing, threats, business interference, or property destruction.

Schneider was arrested twice while attempting to serve legal papers on franchise executive Joshua Johnson at his home. He faces misdemeanor criminal charges in Utah, including stalking, targeted residential picketing, disorderly conduct, and trespassing. His next hearing is scheduled for September 15.

During an interview, Schneider wore a suit featuring the face of Bricks & Minifigs CEO Ammon McNeff. "I'm allowed to put his face on this shirt … I'm allowed to do that now," Schneider said. Regarding the missing inventory, Schneider said, "The document that would prove their innocence, they are keeping on to it, as like their most secret possession ever, and they will not let anyone see it." He added, "So, I don't know, I think that inventory would have the answer you're looking for."