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Posted: Friday, 25 September 2009 7:03AM
Mom sues over 'fake' Facebook profile of son
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CHICAGO (STNG) - A woman filed a lawsuit Thursday on behalf of her teenage son, a minor, who was allegedly defamed through the creation of a fake Facebook profile of him created by some of his peers.
Laura Cook's suit claims that in 2009, the defendants, four other minors, created a fake profile of her son with the malicious intent to "discredit, disparage and damage" his reputation.
The suit, filed in Cook County Circuit Court on Thursday, claims the fake profile contained the boy's real cell phone number as well as pictures and defamatory statements.
In the section describing "Personal Information" and "About me," the defendants wrote: "obamas pretty cool, but hes black sooo..." The defendants also posted the boy as enjoying and/or engaging in homosexual acts, the suit claims.
In total, the fake profile existed for at least four weeks, the suit said.
The fake profile has since been removed, but at one time the fake profile had at least 580 "Friends," many of whom were users who knew the boy. Some users recognized the profile was fake while others posted comments expressing their belief that the plaintiff engaged in the acts. One individual responded, "that is one of the homoist statuses yet."
The defendants also directed "disturbing, vulgar and sexual comments to a few girls" through the fake profile. Given that "girls communicate amongst their friends, the impact on the Plaintiff is substantial," the suit said.
Cook's son is involved with athletics on the state, regional and national level and is concerned that his damaged reputation will haunt him in future endeavors. Cook claims the boy has had to change athletic clubs, coaches and even academic advisers. The plaintiff also no longer wants to travel with the defendants to athletic events.
The five-count suit -- which claims defamation per se, defamation per quod, false light, intentional infliction of emotional distress and injunctive relief -- seeks an unnamed amount plus legal fees.
The defendant's attorney was not available for comment Thursday night.
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Copyright 2009 STNG Wire, The Chicago Sun-Times. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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