Social-Media Posts Will Cost Woman $200K

A Vancouver woman owes her ex-boyfriend $200,000 after defaming him with what a judge called a "relentless" and "malicious" social-media campaign, the CBC reports. The ruling went against Noelle Halcrow, who had posted over 85 messages calling ex-boyfriend Brandon Rook a "no-good drunkard" and "down-and-out failure" who is unfaithful, homophobic, and bisexual, among other things. Perhaps more seriously, she accused him of perpetrating sexual assault and spreading herpes. "No care or compassion for those that struggle with illness," she added. "No time for them or understanding."

Halcrow blamed others for mounting the campaign, but the posts were linked to her IP address and resembled texts she had sent Rook. "I do not accept [her argument] and find that she mounted a campaign against Mr. Rook that was as relentless as it was extensive," said Supreme Court of B.C. Justice Elliott Myers, per the Vancouver Sun. "I also conclude that she was motivated by malice." She now has to pay Rook $200,000 as well as $40,000 to cover his "reputation consultant" costs. Little is known about their relationship except they dated for two stints—six months, then one month—and Rook broke up with her each time. Rook had no comment, and neither did she. (More defamation stories.)