The nine-year-old boy at the center of a controversy over alleged blackface at a Kansas City Chiefs game is finally speaking out after his family filed a lawsuit against Deadspin, accusing the website of defamation and causing emotional distress.

Holden Armenta, a young Chiefs enthusiast of Native American descent, found himself embroiled in a firestorm after Deadspin published an article by Carron J. Phillips titled, “The NFL needs to speak out against the Kansas City Chiefs fan in Black face, Native headdress” back in November. The piece accused Holden of wearing blackface, despite evidence showing him with red and black paint on his face.

Reflecting on the fallout from the article, Holden expressed, “It was scary because I didn’t know what was happening.”

His mother, Shannon Armenta, recounted her efforts to refute the claims, facing resistance from Deadspin. “We didn’t know what blackface even was,” she remarked, detailing her attempts to clear her son’s name in the media.

Their attorney, Libby Locke, slammed Deadspin’s handling of the situation, alleging intentional targeting of Holden. “They intentionally targeted a nine-year-old boy…and they stole a lot of that innocence from him,” Locke asserted.

Shannon Armenta vehemently denied any racial animus, stating, “We do not teach hate in our home…We do not hate Black people or Native Americans. It’s ridiculous.”

Conservative Influencer Collin Rugg added the following on his X account.

NEW: The young Chiefs fan who was slandered by the media for wearing “blackface” is at the Super Bowl and is wearing his headdress.

This is the biggest middle finger of 2024

The boy, Holden Armenta, predicted that the Chiefs would win 31-28. Just last week, it was revealed that the boy’s family was taking legal action against Deadspin and reporter Carron Phillips.

The complaint was filed against G/O Media Inc. & blasts Deadspin for “maliciously & wantonly” attacking Holden Armenta.

WATCH:

The incident occurred during the Chiefs-Raiders game in Las Vegas on November 26, where Holden was shown on national TV and captured on video participating in the “Tomahawk Chop” alongside thousands of fans. However, Phillips, a senior writer at Deadspin, penned an article condemning Holden’s actions as “racist” and “disrespectful.”

While Phillips called out the NFL for its alleged complicity, Holden’s family and supporters argue that the blame should not fall on a young fan.

Despite the controversy, Holden remains a steadfast Chiefs supporter, eagerly anticipating the upcoming Super Bowl showdown against the San Francisco 49ers. “It’s the Super Bowl. Like, what can’t you be excited about?” he exclaimed during the interview, emphasizing his admiration for Chiefs player Travis Kelce.

Holden’s journey into Chiefs fandom began at the age of seven when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, using a cell phone to monitor his glucose levels and becoming engrossed in football videos. His passion for the Chiefs blossomed from there, cementing his loyalty to the team.

As the Chiefs gear up for the Super Bowl clash in Las Vegas, Holden’s resilience in the face of adversity serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication to his beloved team.