The LGBTQ+ community in California has rallied behind two gay dads after one punched a right-wing influencer who allegedly misrepresented himself as a journalist to confront the couple about their family.
On 16 April, David and Anthony Vulin were taking an evening walk with their new-born baby in West Hollywood when a man and a camera crew approached them, claiming to be journalists and requesting an interview.
Confrontation Caught on Camera
The man, conservative media personality Ryley Niemi, then asked whether they were aware of “statistics” suggesting that gay men are more likely to abuse children.
He also questioned them about having a child despite neither being a woman, and asked whether their child was conceived through surrogacy.
Footage of the incident — captioned “Are they fit to be parents?” — was later published online by Niemi. It shows the couple, holding their baby, visibly shocked as they attempt to walk away while he continues to question them. David Vulin then pushes the commentator away.
After Niemi tells the couple, “I’m concerned for your baby’s safety,” Vulin punches him in the back of the head. Another man is heard saying that “you all deserve to be killed … you all deserve to be shot in the f*cking head.”
Police arrested David Vulin for assault and later charged him with a felony for “vandalism with loss valued equal or greater than $400”, allegedly linked to damage to Niemi’s camera.
Community Support and Fundraising
Facing mounting legal fees, the couple launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover Vulin’s legal representation and related costs. The campaign has raised more than $150,000 to support the family.
“As a gay couple with our newborn baby, we were targeted in a way that was deeply upsetting and destabilising for our family,” wrote Anthony Vulin on the page. “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.”
He added: “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.”
Family Shares Update and Gratitude
In a follow-up message, Anthony Vulin revealed that their son had just completed his three-month check-up and was healthy and well. He also thanked those who had supported the family.
“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,” he 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.”
Niemi also started his own GoFundMe page asking for financial support to buy a new camera and pay for security. The campaign has raised around $1,800.
