A group of Los Angeles women are facing a lawsuit after reportedly writing about their dating experience with the same man on social media. The suit was initiated by Stewart Lucas Murrey, who alleges defamation, sex-based discrimination, and invasion of privacy following posts shared about him in the “Are we dating the same guy?” Facebook group.
RELATED STORIES: Okayy! Love Is Blind’s Jimmy Presnell Reveals In New Interview That He’s Open to Dating AD After Calling Off Wedding With Chelsea Blackwell
The case traces back to 2021, when Olivia Berger after a date with Murrey facilitated through an online connection, encountered a Facebook post featuring Murrey’s photographs, urging members to divulge any interactions they’ve had with him. In a post, Berger wrote about her experience and said she wanted to “emphasize that I had never had a date like this. Ever.” Vanessa Valdes, another participant in the online discussion, shared her disturbing interactions with Murrey. After encountering him on a dating app, Valdes experienced what she described as harassment, marked by unsettling messages from Murrey. Valdes posted about these exchanges online to caution others as proof of Murrey’s alleged behavior.
Murrey claims that the women’s posts, citing specific allegations, which included his alleged involvement in his ex-wife’s murder and an accusation that he was transmitting sexually transmitted diseases. Berger and Valdes have denied making or witnessing the claims reported by CBS News. Additionally, Murrey claims he was never in a relationship with any of the women who made the Facebook posts and accuses them of “catfishing” online.
RELATED STORIES: US Air Force Employee Charged with Disclosing Classified Information On Dating Site
The outlet also reported that a similar case was filed in Chicago, spotlighting the broader implications of social media discussions on legal and personal fronts. Amidst the legal turmoil, a sense of community has emerged, with efforts to fundraise in support of individuals facing lawsuits over social media posts. However, the Los Angeles women have yet to receive aid.
This case encapsulates the contemporary dilemmas individuals face navigating the blurred lines between online expression and legal accountability, serving as a poignant reminder of the far-reaching consequences of digital interactions.