In an uncontested defamation trial arising from anonymous postings on an online investment bulletin board, the court found that statements accusing the chief executive officer of lying, defrauding shareholders, stealing ownership interests, and misusing corporate funds were defamatory of both the individual plaintiff and the corporate plaintiff.
The court held that publication and reference were established, but rejected the corporate plaintiff's claim for special damages based on alleged market capitalization loss because the expert evidence was unreliable and causation was not proven.
The individual plaintiff received $30,000 in general damages and $10,000 in aggravated damages.
The corporate plaintiff received $25,000 in general damages.
Punitive damages were refused.
