Connie Pan-Yu, Capstone Pictures Ltd., Michael Scordino v. Jing Jiang Ni, Jing Jiang Yu, Starbridge Art Inc., Steven Opson, and Does 1 through 10
Published: May 2, 2009 | Result Date: Oct. 31, 2008 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: BC374969 Verdict – $140,000
Court
L.A. Superior Central
Attorneys
Plaintiff
Malcolm S. McNeil
(ArentFox Schiff LLP)
Defendant
Scott W. Wellman
(Wellman & Warren LLP)
Experts
Plaintiff
Carole Lieberman
(medical)
Facts
In June 2007, Jing Jiang Ni sent a letter to news media and government entities, which accused Connie Pan-Yu of illegally raising money in the name of the Beijing Olympics. Later, Yu sued Ni for defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, trade libel, intentional interference with economic advantage, and unfair business practices.
Contentions
PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Yu claimed that Ni's statements constituted libel per se by implying criminal conduct.
DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Ni asserted that the statements amounted to mere opinion and claimed that the statements were true.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff demanded either $85,000 in cash or $15,000 in a retraction letter. The defense offered $10,000.
Damages
Yu requested damages for economic loss.
Result
The jury awarded the plaintiff $140,000, which included $50,000 in punitive damages.
Other Information
The trial involved Connie Pan-Yu v. Jing-Jiang Ni, and not all the listed parties. Disputes among the other parties have been addressed separately; some have been settled, while others are still pending.
Deliberation
one day
Poll
12-0
Length
eight days
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