This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

A parody Twitter account that mocks Devin Nunes now has more followers than the California congressman does – all because of media attention brought by a defamation lawsuit Nunes brought against Twitter and users who make fun of him on the platform.

Devin Nunes’ Cow had more than 498,000 followers on Wednesday evening. Nunes’ own Twitter account had 396,000. Another account cited in the suit, “Devin Nunes’ mom”, has since been suspended.

Goats, cows and Devin Nunes' mom: how a Republican's Twitter lawsuit backfired Read more

Both accounts were created to use puns and humor to criticize Nunes, after an article in Esquire exposed that his family had secretly moved their farm to Iowa, long before he used it as a central part of his California campaign narrative.

Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) Congressman @DevinNunes is suing an imaginary cow. Whatever you do, DON'T follow @DevinCow... https://t.co/jWIDn0OvKR

Nunes, the former chairman of the House intelligence committee and a Trump ally, on Monday filed a lawsuit against the tech company, two comedy accounts, and a Republican communications consultant for more than $250m, accusing Twitter of allowing and profiting from “abusive, hateful and defamatory” content.

The move has inspired even more jokes at Nunes expense, especially on late night TV, highlighting how the congressman cosponsored legislation last year called the “Discouraging Frivolous Lawsuits Act”.

Devin Nunes’ Cow meanwhile, has inspired everything from cow-themed T-shirts for sale and fan art to its very own hashtag: #themooovement. And, new Nunes parody accounts are popping up in solidarity.