2019 May 30

Emeny v. Tomaszewski,  2019 ONSC 3298

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice awarded the plaintiff comedian $250,000 general damages, $100,000 special damages and $100,000 punitive damages over 17 false and defamatory posts by the defendant comedian which made serious accusations of misconduct against women.  The Court noted that posts on social media are shared instantly and remain accessible worldwide.  In this case, the Court held that the defamatory posts resulted in the “near total destruction of [the plaintiff’s] career” and a “compromised state of mental health.” The Court also granted a permanent injunction.