The courtroom drama swirling around Bang Energy’s Chapter 11 saga hit a hard stop this week, as a federal judge dismissed an explosive lawsuit by John Owoc, the ousted CEO and owner of Bang’s parent company, Vital Pharmaceuticals. Owoc had accused U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Peter D. Russin of judicial bias and constitutional violations during the energy drink company’s turbulent bankruptcy proceedings — but the court wasn’t buying it.
Judicial Immunity Slams the Brakes on Owoc’s Claims
In a decisive ruling issued Tuesday, U.S. District Judge David S. Leibowitz sided with Russin, affirming that every action taken by the bankruptcy judge was “a normal judicial function” squarely within the boundaries of the law.
“All of the acts occurred or sprang from actions taken in the courtroom,” Judge Leibowitz wrote, making clear that judicial immunity shields Judge Russin from any liability, civil or otherwise.
The dismissal is final. Not only did the court reject the claims, it barred Owoc from refiling the lawsuit — shutting down his legal offensive for good.
