January 2026
A firestorm is engulfing the modeling industry as Instagram model Samantha Fuller (@FullofSam) faces a major defamation and slander lawsuit—her explosive, allegedly baseless accusations have unleashed shockwaves that threaten reputations, careers, and the very integrity of the profession.
According to investigative journalists and statements from the plaintiff’s legal counsel, Fuller’s campaign began with a sensational public Instagram post in early December 2025 and escalated through direct messages to other models, influencers, and business associates. Fuller allegedly warned her contacts of an “open federal case,” urging them to avoid the manager.
However, federal documentation from agencies including the FBI and NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Services) confirms that the referenced case was closed years ago and that the original allegations, made by the manager’s ex-wife and her sister, were thoroughly investigated and found to be fabricated. These findings are public record and have been verified by investigative journalists and the plaintiff’s legal counsel.
Despite being presented with expungement records, closure letters, and direct confirmation from federal agents, Fuller allegedly continued to spread the accusations. Screenshots obtained by journalists show her messaging models and warning of criminal investigations that do not exist. One recipient stated: “All Samantha had to do was call the number on the expungement letter. A federal agent confirmed there was no criminal case and the investigation was closed years ago.”
Attempts by the plaintiff’s legal counsel to contact Fuller were allegedly met with evasion and denial. After verifying her identity, legal counsel sent her the official records and findings from both legal and private investigators, but Fuller allegedly maintained her claims and dismissed the official documentation as fabricated.
In fact, Samantha is reported to have doubled down so aggressively that, when provided public records and exonerating legal documents—both to herself and to others she had previously warned—she messaged recipients of those documents, claiming they were forgeries and “not true.” She then went further, encouraging others to file criminal complaints against the plaintiff through the FBI’s anonymous tip line, despite all available evidence disproving the allegations.
Whether Samantha was manipulated or deceived by the fictitious story developed by the plaintiff’s ex-wife and sister remains unclear. However, after receiving direct verification and official documentation, she had the means and opportunity to withdraw and retract her claims. Even if Samantha believed the documents to be forged, all she had to do was verify the record numbers through the contact information provided on the documents. Her reasons for continuing to double down are unknown, but the consequences are mounting: in addition to this civil lawsuit for slander and defamation, the plaintiff’s legal counsel has formally requested that the district attorney’s office consider filing criminal charges against Samantha Fuller.
Potential California Criminal Codes Relevant to the Case: – Penal Code § 118: Perjury (knowingly making false statements under oath) – Penal Code § 132/134: Offering false evidence or preparing false evidence – Penal Code § 148.5: Falsely reporting a crime to law enforcement – Penal Code § 528.5: Internet impersonation with intent to harm or defraud – Penal Code § 653.2: Electronic cyber harassment (indirect threats/harassment online) – Penal Code § 422: Criminal threats
The fallout has been severe. Brands and models have lost contracts and opportunities, with business damages estimated in the high hundreds of thousands. Leaked screenshots from private industry groups reveal widespread condemnation, with many professionals calling for Fuller to be blacklisted from agencies. “It’s only a matter of time before she targets someone else,” warned one agency insider.
A private investigator also interviewed a close friend of Samantha’s who was asked why Fuller would make such accusations when the truth was easily verifiable. The friend speculated that Samantha may have acted out of emotion, explaining that Fuller had apparently been in a romantic relationship with the manager, became pregnant by him, and was upset because the pregnancy affected her appearance. According to the friend, Fuller had an abortion in order to look presentable for an upcoming scouting opportunity with a Miami-based modeling agency and may have harbored resentment toward the manager as a result.
“We’re terrified to work with anyone connected to Samantha,” said one model, who lost a major campaign as a direct result of Fuller’s accusations. “She weaponized her following and nearly ruined my career overnight.”
Another model, who received DMs from Fuller, added, “Whether it was intentional or non-intentional, Sam’s communication with me had led me to believe these things about him were true and she encouraged me to share this information, which I did and has now put me in harm’s way legally, as well as hurting my own reputation because I thought Samantha to be a credible person and not attempt to mislead me on something so significant.”
Industry group chats and leaked screenshots reveal a groundswell of outrage. “Samantha’s name is now synonymous with recklessness and risk,” wrote another model in a private message. “No one feels safe with her in the industry.”
Industry leaders, models, and brand owners are now calling for immediate action: a full public statement from OTTO Models and MMG, an industry-wide review of agency vetting procedures, and Samantha Fuller’s suspension pending the outcome of the lawsuit.
Broader Industry Crisis: A Chilling Precedent for Males in Entertainment
The implications of Samantha Fuller’s alleged conduct extend far beyond a single lawsuit. The modeling and entertainment industries are filled with male managers, photographers, producers, actors, and models—many of whom have become increasingly vulnerable to false accusations in the digital age. When agencies fail to act decisively, they set a dangerous precedent that leaves every professional—especially men—at risk of career-ending allegations, regardless of their truth.
The Duty of Agencies: Accountability and Policy Reform
Modeling agencies like OTTO Models and MMG New York, who continue to represent Samantha, are not merely bystanders. As her professional sponsors, they are responsible for her public image and conduct. Industry leaders are now calling for agencies to implement strict policies governing online behavior and to enforce severe punitive measures when a model’s actions create legal and reputational risks. Failure to do so not only damages the agency’s brand, but also erodes trust among partners, brands, and the wider industry.
If agencies refuse to hold models like Samantha accountable, their own reputations and ability to conduct business are at stake. “If an agency won’t address this level of misconduct, how can any brand or professional trust them to protect their interests?” asked one industry executive.
High-Profile Parallels: A Pattern of Destruction
This case is not an isolated event. The entertainment world has witnessed similar scandals—such as the Amber Heard and Johnny Depp trial, the Jussie Smollett hoax, and the Andrew Tate accusations—where unsubstantiated claims not only destroyed personal reputations but also damaged agencies, brands, and countless innocent bystanders. In several LA-based cases, models who made false accusations suffered career collapse, and the brands and agencies attached to them faced public backlash and financial loss.
Statement from the Plaintiff
In an interview with an investigative journalist, the plaintiff reflected on the betrayal:
“I truly believed Samantha was a good person. I trusted her, respected her work ethic, and brought her into circles most people could only dream of. We spent so much time together, and I genuinely cared about her—not just as a colleague, but as a friend.
When all this started, I was desperate to resolve it privately. I sent her messages pleading, ‘Please, let’s just talk. I care about you and your future. I don’t want this to escalate, but I can’t let these lies go on.’ I told her I believed in her, that she was better than this, and begged her to do the right thing. I even offered her full transparency—if she doubted anything I said, I told her she could look through my phone, review any documents she needed, and speak directly with my attorneys, who are legally obligated to verify that my statements and evidence are factual. But she declined every offer. She responded with apologies, telling me she wished me peace—but all the while, she was still spreading these lies behind my back.
It broke me to realize she wasn’t the person I thought she was. To be accused of being a monster by someone I once considered family—it’s a pain I can’t describe. What hurts most is knowing I tried everything to protect her, even as she was destroying me.
In the end, her actions revealed a coldness and cruelty I never anticipated. She accused me of being the monster, but I now see that was simply a projection—a reflection of the darkness within her own self. If this is the price of standing up for the truth, I’ll pay it. But I won’t let her darkness define who I am.”
Manipulative Tactics and Cognitive Bias
Samantha’s continued efforts to discredit exonerating documents and encourage others to file complaints demonstrate a pattern of manipulative behavior. According to experts, her messaging tactics appear to exploit cognitive biases—specifically confirmation bias—by selectively presenting information that supports her narrative and urging others to ignore verified facts. This manipulation either points to a lack of critical thinking and susceptibility to influence, or, more concerning, to darker motives that remain unknown.
Real-World Harm: Mental Health, Families, and Children
The damage caused by such reckless behavior is not limited to the plaintiff. The ripple effects extend to friends, family, and especially children. The plaintiff’s children have reportedly faced bullying at school and emotional distress as a direct result of the public allegations. This kind of abuse is not just professional sabotage—it’s personal devastation, contributing to the mental health crisis and suicide epidemic affecting countless innocent individuals connected to the falsely accused.
A Call for Industry Action
This case is a wake-up call. The industry must take a stand to protect reputations, enforce accountability, and prevent further harm. Agencies must separate themselves from individuals whose conduct poses a legal and reputational threat, and must do so not just for their own survival, but for the well-being of everyone—professionals, families, and children—whose lives are impacted by false and reckless accusations.
By refusing to act, OTTO Models and MMG New York are sending a dangerous message: that reputation and accountability mean nothing when weighed against silence and complicity. The industry is watching—and history will remember who stood up for integrity.
This lawsuit, grounded in investigative journalism, verified federal documentation, and legal counsel statements, raises urgent questions about agency accountability and the harm of reckless, allegedly false accusations.
