I wish I could hit the lawsuit lottery.
A million dollars for some mean Internet comments.
I think you need to read the article. The woman had a thriving business that completely disappeared mad she will probably never see a cent of this judgement.
Pretty standard fare for a defamation lawsuit.
Good luck on the photographer ever collecting a dime.
In business all you have is your reputation. Once that is trashed your business is kaput. As hers was.
Freedom of speech does not mean you can knowing lie about someone's actions. When you do they can legally come after you for damages.
I have several small businesses and I have had a couple of customers who have simply thought they could get away with lying through their teeth about something. It has never gotten to a court case but yes I would take it that far.
If you don't like my product, fine.
If you think it did not work, ok.
If it got lost in the mail, it happens.
You say I sent you cyanide that nearly killed you, I'll see you in court.
And a loss of business. This photog easily booked 100 weddings per year but after this only got 2 in one year and then nothing. Had to close down. The bride waged an online war against this photographer ... not just saying mean things.