This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
It Cost Courtney Love $430k to Call Someone an "asswipe nasty lying hosebag thief" on Twitter
Sure, Twitter is free, and, if you can put up with some spammers, the occasional fail whale, and those annoying "promoted Tweets," at the end of the day, it doesn't cost you a damn thing to use it. However, if you use your Twitter powers for evil and not good, well, it could end up costing you like it did Courtney Love. The rocker/actress/problem child adult has settled a suit brought against her for something she said on Twitter, and it's costing her $430,000, according to the Business Insider.
The Twitter drama played out in 2009, when Love and designer Dawn Simonrangkir had a public social media spat following a dispute over a $4000 bill for clothing. Love used Twitter to rant about Simonrangkir's business, and at one point called the designer an "asswipe nasty lying hosebag thief."
Simonrangkir said Love ruined her business. Had the case gone to trial, points out The Hollywood Reporter, "would have been the first high-profile courtroom showdown over what constitutes defamation on Twitter." Instead, the trial was postponed as the two parties began to discuss settlement.
In the meantime, Love seems to have quit using Twitter. An attorney for Simonrangkir says of the settlement "$430,000 is quite a significant way to say I am sorry."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
