West Hollywood man avoids charges after altercation with influencer

David Vulin, a 32-year-old father from West Hollywood, will not face criminal charges following a viral physical altercation with conservative content creator Ryley Niemi in April. According to Vulin’s attorney, R. J. Dreiling, Vulin completed the terms of a “pre-filing diversion” agreement with the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office, which resolves the threat of prosecution.

The incident occurred on Santa Monica Boulevard when Niemi approached Vulin and his husband, Anthony, while they were with their infant son. The couple stated that Niemi falsely identified himself as a CNN reporter to initiate an interview. The interaction escalated after Niemi began asking hostile and homophobic questions, including inquiries regarding statistics on gay men and child molestation and questioning the couple's parenting.

Video footage shows Vulin shoving Niemi, and subsequent clips show a second confrontation where Vulin punched Niemi in the head. Niemi reported suffering a concussion and damage to a camera during the clash. Vulin had previously been arrested on suspicion of battery and vandalism.