Suing Over Being Called A Douchebag Might Just Get More People To Think You're A Douchebag
from the just-saying... dept
There's a somewhat popular (and quite amusing) blog called Hot Chicks with Douchebags. It is... well, pretty much what you'd expect (and might not be a link you want to click-through while at work) -- a bunch of photos of attractive women in the company of guys who, well, you can figure it out. Anyway, I had no idea that they had come out with a book recently, but apparently some of the folks included in the book are none too happy about it. Three of the alleged "hot chicks" in the book have sued the book's author and publisher, and now one of the alleged "douchebags" has also sued, claiming libel. Of course, once again, it seems like this is the sort of thing where suing only puts a lot more attention on the fact that some folks consider the guy to be a douchebag in the first place. Besides, considering that douchebag, in this context, is pretty clearly a statement of opinion rather than fact (no one actually thinks he's literally a bag for douches), it's difficult to see where the libel is. In fact, I'd say that suing over being included in a book like this seems, well... ah, well, you can figure it out.Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.
While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.
–The Techdirt Team
Filed Under: douchebags, hot chicks, libel, streisand effect
Reader Comments
Subscribe: RSS
View by: Time | Thread
Libelous, really?
Anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong or bring more light to the subject. It's very good info to know.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Oh, man...
[ link to this | view in thread ]
[ link to this | view in thread ]
[ link to this | view in thread ]
correction...
i'm here to help!
[ link to this | view in thread ]
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re:
[ link to this | view in thread ]
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re:
I'm confused.
Was it taken in a public place ?
Before publication, does one need to get everyone in the photo to sign a release ? Does MSM get a pass on this ?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
priceless
[ link to this | view in thread ]
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: correction...
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Re: correction...
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Douchebag?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
You have a problem with me?
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Hmm
[ link to this | view in thread ]
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Hmm
I doubt he would be protesting if he had been featured in "Hot Guys with Sluts"
[ link to this | view in thread ]
what the heck...
[ link to this | view in thread ]
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: what the heck...
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Yeah, but...
It is cool. Most of your are probably jealous. Going to say whoever wants to mock those guys are probably bigger douches than they are.[/quote]
...WE didn't get our pictures taken with hot chicks! Ha! Take that MR. Probably Jealous. Oh, wait...damn.
Also, point of technical accuracy, it's the douche NOZZLE that gets the 'action'.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Well actually...
[ link to this | view in thread ]
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Mike, you win.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: what the heck...
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Well actually
Well actually, thats just too f-ing bad. The law isnt written for what YOU (or they) feel. Opinion is clearly protected speech under the first amendment, and numerous case precident in a court of law over the last, oh, 200 years or so. There is no law that says you have to approve of anyone, nor that you are restricted from expressing your opinion of disapproval about someone. The law doesnt protect you from feeling insulted. Sometimes, people just dont like you, and will say so, but that doesnt make it illegal. FAIL.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
[ link to this | view in thread ]
your just embracing the fact
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Thank God!
Whew. Now I am CERTAIN you can't sue me.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Douch.
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Well actually (law is not what you think RD)
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re:
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Jason Baekey
[ link to this | view in thread ]
Re: Jason Baekey
[ link to this | view in thread ]
I'm no lawyer but...
What is your assumed precedent here?
It doesn't necessarily have to be protected by "free speech" to be legal.
[ link to this | view in thread ]