Alleged Bullies Sued Over Racist and Obscene Fake Facebook Profile
One of the new avenues for bullying is impersonation via social networking sites. But four teens in Cook County, Illinois may have gone a little too far in alleged attacks on a high school athlete. They are now finding themselves defendants in a lawsuit that could have dire financial consequences for both them and their families. The four boys, identified only by their initials -- R.C., A.G., K.Z., and M.S. -- are being sued on five separate counts, including defamation and emotional distress, by the victim and his mother.
According to the suit, the boys created a fake Facebook account for the student (who is identified only as John Doe), using not only his real name, but also his cell number and numerous photos. The fake was convincing enough that the four alleged cyber-bullies managed to amass over 580 friends. The lawsuit claims that the bullies posted many sexuality explicit and obscenity-laced comments, as well as status updates claiming that the victim was gay. The account also reportedly displayed racially charged statements, such as, "obamas pretty cool...but hes black sooo..."
According to the suit, the profile had many real life consequences for the boy and his family. At least one college recruiter allegedly had concerns about accepting him, solely based on the profile. The page allegedly caused so much controversy that John Doe and his siblings had to change athletic clubs and were alienated by many of their friends.
The profile has since been removed, but it took quite a bit of work for the family to convince Facebook to do so.
Last month, we saw the first conviction and jailing of a cyber-bully in the U.K. Combined with this lawsuit, and the court-ordered unmasking of the 'Skanks in NYC' blogger, all signs are pointing to an end of the free ride for the cyber-bully. [From: Chicago Now, Mashable and Ars Technica]
According to the suit, the profile had many real life consequences for the boy and his family. At least one college recruiter allegedly had concerns about accepting him, solely based on the profile. The page allegedly caused so much controversy that John Doe and his siblings had to change athletic clubs and were alienated by many of their friends.
The profile has since been removed, but it took quite a bit of work for the family to convince Facebook to do so.
Last month, we saw the first conviction and jailing of a cyber-bully in the U.K. Combined with this lawsuit, and the court-ordered unmasking of the 'Skanks in NYC' blogger, all signs are pointing to an end of the free ride for the cyber-bully. [From: Chicago Now, Mashable and Ars Technica]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mpossible009 said 6:58PM on 9-30-2009
FINALLY! hopefully there will be new laws passed to block users who post racist comments to webnews.
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Rudy said 9:30AM on 10-01-2009
I would love to see a law such as that passed but I do not think we will see that. Due to freedom of speech you can say or write most anything as long as it is not slander. Me being a person of color understand why groups like the Skin heads and KKK are allowed to be. I do not care for them but for all groups to have a chance we must not start blocking groups just beacuse we do not like what they say.
These guys are facing a case of slander of the person they are claiming to be.
Hope said 7:56PM on 9-30-2009
Good. Let the parents finally get it thru their thick skull that their babies are not so innocent little kids. Today's kids think the internet is anonymous and gives them so much power that they have no fear about consequences or that somebody can get hurt. If somebody bullied these snot nosed kids, they will start to shit in their pants and their parents will threaten a law suit. LOL. The joke is now on their head. Hope the judge throws the book at these dumb asses who didn't learn anything in school or at home.
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dhen422 said 11:17AM on 10-01-2009
I totally agree with you mpossible.. im so sick of going online and seeing people post racist crude remarks towards articles.. I have to deal with racism everyday in my real life.. I really dont feel like reading it after an article that may have nothing to do with races. This world needs some help. And I hope those bullies pay for the rest of their life. Its unfortunate that their parents may have to as well, but I guess you should watch after your kids better and CONTROL THE INTERNET USAGE IN YOUR HOME.. PARENTS NEED TO BE PARENTS THESE DAYS AND NOT FRIENDS.
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