Overview:
Presence News reports from Los Angeles Superior Court as jury selection begins in the social media lawsuit. The case examines allegations surrounding social-media recommendation systems, juror conduct rules, and platform accountability, with national media observing proceedings and the court setting a projected March conclusion.
LOS ANGELES — Presence News was on site this week at the Los Angeles Superior Court as proceedings continued in a high-profile the Social Media Case. A dangerous social-media trend that circulated widely in 2021 and 2022.
On January 27, 2025, Presence News was granted access to observe afternoon jury selection, during which a pool of approximately 75 prospective jurors was assembled as part of the court’s standard voir dire process.
After completing written questionnaires, prospective jurors were excused from the courtroom and instructed to return approximately one hour later as jury selection procedures continued.
Jury Instructions and Courtroom Conduct
Presiding Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl issued detailed instructions to jurors regarding conduct both inside and outside the courtroom. Jurors were told they may continue using social media in their everyday lives but are strictly prohibited from researching the case, consuming related content, or conducting independent investigation of any kind.
To protect privacy, jurors are identified solely by number rather than by name. Judge Kuhl also instructed jurors not to speak with any attorneys involved in the case in courthouse hallways or common areas, reinforcing safeguards intended to preserve the integrity of the proceedings.
Counsel Appearances
(Names below have not been verified – only what they quickly stated when they got up to state their names) – to be updated as filings become public record.
The plaintiffs are led by attorney Mark Lener, joined by members of the legal team including Rachel Lener, Sarah Kenner, and Lisa Bout.
Defense counsel representing major technology platforms were also present. Meta is represented by Paul Schmidt, while YouTube is represented by Luis Lee, with Christina Mackinokis also appearing during the proceedings.
Trial Timeline
Judge Kuhl stated on the record that the case is expected to conclude no later than March 20, setting a defined endpoint as jury selection and testimony move forward.
Media Access and Public Interest
Media access inside the courtroom has been limited due to capacity and procedural constraints, with only a small number of outlets permitted inside at any given time. Additional national and regional media organizations were observed gathering outside the courthouse, reflecting sustained public interest in the case and its broader implications.
Among the media personnel in attendance was Nancy Dillon, a Senior Reporter at Rolling Stone, who covers the intersection of entertainment, civil litigation, and the criminal justice system.
Nancy has been reporting on this beat with her latest publication to date here: (Click link)
While much national coverage has framed the litigation through a broader lens—focusing on social-media design, youth engagement, and evolving platform liability—less attention has been paid to the specific factual allegations being examined inside the courtroom. The current proceedings center on claims tied directly to the so-called “*********** blocked out,” including how such content allegedly surfaced through recommendation systems and how jurors are being instructed to evaluate those allegations under existing law. Presence News is monitoring the case on site to provide procedural and contextual reporting as the factual record develops.
While larger outlets are providing real-time courtroom updates, Presence News attended proceedings on site to observe, document public interest, and report on developments of broader legal and public-policy significance rather than duplicating live trial coverage.
Editor’s Note
Jurors are identified by number only, in accordance with court instructions. Photography and video were restricted in interior courthouse areas; all reporting and images associated with this article comply with posted court rules and judicial guidance.
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