Client receives settlement sum after defamation on Facebook
Preview Excerpt: YBJ, the Plaintiff, suffered defamation by a post and comment on Facebook. The post and comment wrongly portrayed him as the owner of a furniture shop who acted fraudulently.
We successfully acted for YBJ. A deed of release was executed by the Defendant and our client received a large settlement sum as compensation.
Facts: Defamation from defamatory material on Facebook
YBJ, the Plaintiff, was subject to defamation from a post and comment on Facebook. These wrongly portrayed him as the owner of a furniture shop and being involved in fraudulent conduct.
The post, by Seven Network, stated he “swindled” thousands of dollars from customers. The allegation was that the customers ordered expensive furniture and did not receive it. Subsequently, a comment under the post was made about YBJ, as users assumed he was the owner of the furniture shop.
However, YBJ’s position was a sales consultant at the furniture shop. He never sold furniture in a personal capacity to a customer. YBJ had nothing to do with any unlawful and unethical behaviour that the owner committed and no knowledge of the same. The defamatory imputation came about from the combined effect of the post and comment.
Outcome: Settlement and deed of release
O’Brien Criminal and Civil Solicitors successfully acted for YBJ. A deed of release was executed by the Defendant and our client received a large settlement sum as compensation for the defamatory material posted about him on Facebook. The post and comment were both removed from Facebook.