Adam Jacobs, who works at his family’s jewelry store, Toodie’s Fine Jewelry, was ordered to pay the amount to his rival, Stephen Blumberg.
VERY curious what kind of precedent this sets: Jewelry store wins $35k fake review lawsuit #alternativereviews
— Carla Agostino Sarro (@carla_ago) April 6, 2017
Jacobs was accused of writing about a negative visit he had when he visited Blumberg’s store, Stephen Leigh Jewelers. In the review, Jacobs said he had a bad experience when he wanted to buy an engagement ring. He encouraged others to buy jewelry from elsewhere. However, Blumberg’s lawsuit claims he never even went to the store.
Blumberg said the review claimed he was a thief. He spoke with CBS and told them he wasn’t. He went on to clarify that he had never been convicted of anything in his life.
In late March, the jury decided the review was fake and it caused emotional distress for Blumberg. The jewelry store owner also sued the store, which is not even a mile away from his own store, but the jury concluded that Toodie’s was not at fault.
The lawsuit was filed in the same year that the review was published, 2013. Blumberg managed to track Jacobs done after he contacted businesses that were reviewed by him (Jacobs).
The attorney representing Jacobs and the store said the defendants are disappointed with the verdict. They might consider appealing it. The lawyer said the damages awarded to the plaintiff was based on speculation and not facts.
