Shivangi Sinha
In November 2009, when Michael and Holly Robbins were called to their son’s school in Merion, Pennsylvania, they had no idea their lives were about to be turned upside down. They hadn’t expected Blake Robbins to be accused of using and selling drugs, but what shocked them most was the photo the school presented. It was taken through a school-issued laptop from inside their home. Alarmed and deeply disturbed, they asserted that they had never given consent for their son to be filmed and immediately took a stand for him. In Prime Video’s ‘Spy High,’ they open up in detail about the legal battle that ensued and the allegations that have followed their family ever since.
Holly and Michael Robbins Chose to Stand Up For Their Son Against All Odds
Holly and Michael Robbins had always dreamed of having a big family and giving their children the best possible life. They chose to settle in Merion, Pennsylvania, drawn by its highly regarded school district and the opportunities it could offer their six kids. Holly herself was an alumna of Harriton Senior High School and understood the potential the school could unlock for her children. However, on November 11, 2009, the school contacted them and asked them to come in. Upon their arrival, the administration informed them that their son, Blake Robbins, had allegedly been consuming and selling drugs. The couple insisted there must have been some sort of mistake, but the school presented them with a photo of him holding what looked like a pill in his hand.
The photo in question had been taken inside their own home, captured through the MacBook laptop that had been provided to students by the school. Holly and Michael were furious. They said they had no idea the school had the ability to remotely access the devices and monitor students in such a way. The school explained that software had been installed on the laptops to help locate them if they were lost or stolen. However, they claimed that neither scenario applied to Blake. Instead, they were told the software had been activated because the family had allegedly failed to pay the insurance fee for the laptop. Holly and Michael firmly denied ever being informed about this feature or any such consequence tied to non-payment. They believed what had happened was a serious violation of privacy.
After seeking legal counsel from attorney Mark Haltzman, the Robbins family filed a federal class action lawsuit against the school district on February 11, 2010. During the course of the case, Holly and Michael gave several interviews. As media attention grew, so did public criticism, and many accused them of pursuing the case for money or fame. These allegations intensified after it was revealed that the family had longstanding debts. Despite the backlash, they consistently defended their actions, insisting that their motivation came from a deep concern for the safety and privacy of their children. They admitted that the level of scrutiny and hostility they experienced from other parents was unexpected, and at times, hurtful. However, they stood by their decision and firmly believed that the stance they took was both necessary and justified at the time.
Holly and Michael Robbins Were Content With the Conclusion of the Legal Battle
In October 2010, when a settlement was finally reached, the Robbins family received $600,000 from the total amount. However, $425,000 of that went toward legal fees paid to their attorney, Mark Haltzman. Holly and Michael have since expressed that they felt the latter may have been driven by financial motives. They had no contact with him after the conclusion of the case. In the aftermath, the family issued a public statement, emphasizing that the resolution allowed Blake Robbins to focus on what truly mattered and to move forward with his life. They also acknowledged that the students—who were the central figures in this situation—could not have been expected to pursue a larger legal battle, given their circumstances. Their choice to prioritize education and personal well-being, they said, was the right one.
Holly and Michael Robbins Are Happy in Their Role as Doting Grandparents Today
The alleged scrutiny that Michael Robbins and Holly Myerson-Robbins faced over the years made life challenging for them. In July 2022, they chose to relocate to Lakewood Ranch, Florida, where they now live with their youngest daughter. They are proud grandparents to five grandchildren and often reunite with their family, frequently traveling back to Pennsylvania for visits. In 2023, they reportedly filed a lawsuit against Marriott in relation to a slip-and-fall case, but no details have been made publicly available.
Holly, a graduate of Villanova University, has embraced the role of a doting grandmother—baking cakes and ensuring her family enjoys every visit. She never misses a special occasion to send her love and celebrate those closest to her, and it’s heartwarming to see her thriving. The couple previously ran Robbins Sports International LLC in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, though the business appears to have since closed. Today, they seem to be enjoying a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle.
Read More: Jalil Hasan: Where is the Former Merion School District Student Now?
