Ohio Company Sues Woman Over Defamatory Google Review

Starr Manufacturing Inc., an industrial equipment manufacturer based in Ohio, filed a defamation lawsuit against Columbus resident Julie Watson on August 12, seeking over $25,000 in damages. The lawsuit claims that Watson's one-star Google review included “false and malicious” statements about the company, alleging quality and manufacturing failures with multiple customers.

Despite the claims made in her review, the company admits that Watson has never been a customer. Thomas Nader, the attorney representing Starr Manufacturing, stated that the negative review is the result of a “personal vendetta” involving Watson and an employee of the company.

He emphasized that the lawsuit is not merely a reaction to a bad review but rather a response to a personal dispute. Starr Manufacturing is concerned that Watson may continue to post false allegations unless legally restrained.

The company currently has a total of 13 Google reviews.