I guess you don’t comprehend the concept of reputation. The parents’ feelings were not only hurt, but also, their families were threatened, harassed and their reputations were publicly damaged. This was not just for a week but for years. Would you just ignore someone who provides no proof calling you a hoaxer for years? How do you think that would affect your job/career/standing in your community?
Mr. Idiot rejected a settlement that would’ve cost him less than the judgment.