Landmark Facebook Case! Guy got $45,000 in libel damages cos he was maliciously called g*y!?

Question

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=603531

I don't mind - call me what you want for $45,000 - Right? Does anybody have any weird stories like that? I'm mean you can put me in a dress & call me Susan for $45,000.....

Answer 1

Oddly enough, I would think that the majority of straight people don't appreciate being viewed as a t**d burgaler or carpet l****r.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think so.

Answer 2

It's not a "weird story" - the other person in the case went well out of his way to spread lies about the person, which could seriously have affected his reputation and his business. I believe he tried to spread false rumours that the guy's business was failing, which could have bankrupted him. If you tell lies about someone on the internet, they can be as damaging as they would be in print, radio, TV or just face-to-face and libel/slander laws still apply.

Answer 3

No this was not about because the person said or suggested he was g*y, it was about the invasion of privacy that his so called friend invaded. I would have done exactly the same in his place.

Answer 4

Not all people are as thick skined as you , the gut never wanted this , he was being abused by an old school buddy , liable comes in many forms and he justidly got what he deserved £22,000 .

Answer 5

I would be annoyed, but I wouldnt sue.  It's not like his arm was cut off and any way anyone who knew him would know it wasnt true.  Money grabber