The Dirty has become a right of passage for many Chicagoans. If you have a burning desire (pun intended) to use the Dirty to launch an STD-laden assault on an ex-lover, ex-friend, ex-employer, etc. you might want to exercise some restraint.
U.S. District Judge William Bertelsman awarded, Sarah Jones an $11 million dollar settlement ($1 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages) after the Dirty World Entertainment Recordings (Thedirty.com), failed to respond to the lawsuit filed in February. Hon. Bertelsman even added an annual interest rate of 0.25 percent.
The post that began it all: Photos of Jones appeared on the Dirty alleging that she had two venereal diseases and had intercourse with one of the Bengal football players. The site identified Jones by her first name and last initial. Jones filed suit alleging defamation and libel after she repeatedly pleaded with the site to remove the posts. As a teacher during the week, she was increasingly embarrassed when other teachers and students had repeatedly approached her about the posts.
Hooman Karamian (Nik Ritchie) who is never at a loss of words was unable to be reached for comment. He was also a defendant in the suit.
The site lists a half-ass disclaimer attempting to disclaim their liability for unfounded gossip by stating: "Postings may contain erroneous or inaccurate information. All images are credited to their original location. The owner of this site does not ensure the accuracy of any content presented on TheDirty.com."
What are her chances of collecting on the judgment? Just because the court awards a judgment, it does not mean that Jones will ever see a dime. Her attorney, however, believes that she will be able to reclaim the money because the site is set up as an LLC, backed by investors, and "apparently doing well" (duh).
Filed under: Dating, Epic Fail
Tags: American football, Damages, Defamation, Dirty World Entertainment Recordings, lawsuit, Sarah Jones, Sexually transmitted disease, Thedirty.com
