Erik Stonechild sues Emma Turner, a 23-year-old food blogger, for $2,627, alleging her defamatory review of his vegan dessert shop, Vegan Sweets, causes business losses. This ~3,000-character summary offers a concise, engaging overview of the case, covering the incident, arguments, evidence, and courtroom dynamics, highlighting the clash between free speech and business reputation.
Stonechild claims Turner’s review on her blog, Food Affiliate, with 200,000+ followers, falsely depicts his desserts as unpalatable, leading to revenue losses. Turner visits Vegan Sweets, buys desserts, and posts a review titled “Vegan Dirty Sweets,” calling the pastries “burnt grass and sand-covered seaweed” that’d make readers “want to vomit.” Stonechild argues the review is malicious, causing $2,627 in losses over two months. He discovers Turner’s blog via her sweatshirt logo, initially impressed by its design, but the review’s harsh tone prompts his lawsuit.
Turner, a self-taught blogger, defends her review as a protected opinion. Without culinary training, she emphasizes her relatable perspective, resonating with her audience. She reviews various eateries and doesn’t disclose her blogger status for authenticity. Turner finds the desserts lacking sweetness and is annoyed by Stonechild’s unsolicited veganism lecture, criticizing meat consumption. She argues her review reflects the full experience—food and service—and is subjective, not defamatory.
The issue is whether Turner’s review is defamatory, requiring false statements, malice, and financial harm. Stonechild presents financial records showing profits before the review, then a two-month decline, blaming Turner’s influence. He submits a five-star customer review and dessert samples—chocolate vanilla tarts, black raspberry coconut treats, organic cocoa bean pastries—to prove quality. He cites a blog graphic saying “veganism is a cult,” suggesting bias, but Turner clarifies it’s a reader comment.
Turner argues her review is honest, using vivid language to engage readers, not defame. She denies industry backing, crediting her blog’s look to her efforts. Her followers value her candor, and one negative review shouldn’t ruin a business unless it’s already weak. Stonechild’s lecture, she says, justifies her review’s tone.
The judge questions Turner’s credibility and Stonechild’s damages. Turner’s lack of training is scrutinized; she insists her job is to evaluate all experiences. The judge samples Stonechild’s “delicious” desserts, possibly weakening Turner’s critique. The financial records are reviewed, but the judge questions other factors.
Stonechild says the review’s title and phrases are derogatory, harming his reputation, amplified by Turner’s following. The five-star review and samples show his desserts are well-liked, making Turner’s review an outlier.
Turner counters that food tastes are subjective, her review reflecting her experience. She denies malice, her style consistent across reviews. She argues a single review shouldn’t devastate a business and Stonechild’s lecture was relevant.
Stonechild views the review as an attack on his livelihood; Turner sees the lawsuit as an assault on free speech. The judge weighs defamation’s legal requirements—falsehood and intent—against online influence.
Evidence includes Stonechild’s records, five-star review, and samples. The “cult” graphic is less relevant. Turner’s blog shows her opinionated style. The records are key, but their link to the review is questioned.
The case shows the power of online reviews. Turner’s followers amplify her impact; Stonechild says this causes harm, while Turner defends honest feedback.
#law #justice #drama #court #judge
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