Michigan Verdicts

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Man denied posting nude photo of ex-girlfriend after breakup

Type:

Verdict-Defendant

State:

Michigan

Venue:

Genesee County

Court:

Genesee County, Circuit Court

Injury Type(s):

mental/psychological-emotional distress

Case Type:

Intentional Torts – Defamation; Emotional Distress – Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress

Case Name:

Sharlotte Kolanowski v. Christopher Buccuri,
No. 16-107924-CZ

Date:

May 16, 2018

Parties

Plaintiff(s):

Sharlotte Kolanowski (Female, 45 Years)

Plaintiff Attorney(s):

Kendall L. Sailler;
Kendall L. Sailler, Esq., PC;
Sterling Heights,
MI,
for
Sharlotte Kolanowski

Defendant(s):

Christopher Buccuri

Defense Attorney(s):

F. Anthony Lubkin;
Owosso,
MI,
for
Christopher Buccuri

Facts:

In September 2016, plaintiff Sharlotte Kolanowski, 45, and her boyfriend, Christopher Buccuri, ended a romantic relationship. At some point after the breakup, a naked photo was allegedly published to Kolanowski’s online dating account, which she claimed caused emotional distress. Kolanowski sued Buccuri, alleging defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress with regard to the posting of the picture, which she classified as revenge porn. She claimed her reputation was damaged as a result of the posting of the picture, which she claimed was done by Buccuri. Buccuri denied the allegations. He contended that he never had access to Kolanowski’s password for the dating site and could not have posted the picture. He also argued that the supposedly pornographic picture was not provocative nor pornographic. Moreover, Buccuri contended that Kolanowski presented no proof that he had posted the picture.

Injury:

Kolanowski sought damages for emotional distress in the amount of $1 million following distribution of an allegedly naked picture of her. She argued that she suffered damage to her reputation.

Result:

Following a bench trial, the judge determined there was no evidence supporting Kolanowski’s claims and a verdict of no cause of action was entered.

Trial Information:

Judge:

Geoffrey L. Neithercut

Trial Length:

3
 days

Editor’s Comment:

This report is based on information that was provided by defense counsel. Plaintiff’s counsel did not respond to a request for comment.