American Psychiatrist In Japan Sues Redditors For Talking Shit Online

**1R0N M4N XL** · 01-13-2018, 02:57 PM

In a twisting and intercontinental case of ‘mad online,’ an American psychiatrist practicing in Tokyo has filed a defamation suit against Redditors who derogated his services. In a suit filed in Florida, Dr. Douglas Berger is seeking damages in excess of $15,000, alleging libel and defamation after anonymous commenters called him a “scam artist” and “fucking maniac.” Reddit is named as a defendant in the suit. A GoFundMe page has been created to help the Redditors, unnamed in Dr. Berger’s complaint, to pay for legal fees.

https://gizmodo.com/american-psychia...lki-1822025328

idioteque · 01-13-2018, 07:37 PM

So much for free speech.

**Colonel Frank Grimes** · 01-13-2018, 11:55 PM

Originally Posted by idioteque

So much for free speech.

If you accuse someone of illegal activity (which they did) or of professional negligence (which they did), then freedom of speech doesn't apply. It's no longer an expression of opinion. You're making a claim. That being said, you can't sue people whose names you don't know.