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Texas Citizen Alleges Defamation Against Local Night Club Over Social Media Post

SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Friday, November 22, 2024

Texas Citizen Alleges Defamation Against Local Night Club Over Social Media Post

State Court
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Adam Bradford Rayburn has filed a defamation lawsuit against a prominent night club, accusing it of spreading false and damaging statements about him on social media. The complaint was lodged by Rayburn in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, on October 10, 2024, targeting Hernan Antonio Villalobos, doing business as Etro Night Club.

According to the petition, the dispute centers around a Facebook post made by Etro Night Club on October 10, 2023. The post allegedly contained numerous false statements about Rayburn and included two photographs of him. These statements reportedly portrayed Rayburn as "a drug user," accused him of "starting a fight," and claimed he "brought a gun into the club." The post remained online until January 5, 2024, despite multiple requests for its removal. The plaintiff asserts that these allegations are not only untrue but have caused significant reputational harm and mental anguish.

Rayburn's legal team argues that Etro Night Club acted negligently or intentionally in publishing these defamatory statements without justification or excuse. They further claim that the club's actions were reckless and created an unreasonable risk of widespread dissemination of the false information through various channels including online platforms. As per the petition, this case falls under strict liability where damages are presumed due to the nature of defamation involving a private figure like Rayburn.

The lawsuit seeks monetary relief exceeding $100,000 but not more than $250,000 for reputational harm and mental anguish. Additionally, Rayburn is pursuing exemplary damages on grounds that Etro Night Club acted with actual malice by knowingly spreading falsehoods or with reckless disregard for their truthfulness. The plaintiff also demands pre-judgment interest, post-judgment interest, court costs, and reasonable attorney fees under Chapter 38 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code.

The case is being handled under a Level 2 discovery order in Harris County due to its jurisdiction over both parties involved who reside within its limits. The legal proceedings are set to determine whether Etro Night Club's actions warrant compensatory measures as sought by Rayburn.

Representing Adam Bradford Rayburn is attorney Adake Rayon from Brentleywood Lane in Houston. Jeremy Levine serves as counsel for Etro Night Club. The case is presided over by Judge Talitha McCarty in the 334th Judicial District Court under Case ID: 2024-70765.

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