City
Epaper

Musk wins in defamation trial over his 'pedo guy' tweet

By IANS | Updated: December 7, 2019 11:00 IST

Multi-billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk has emerged triumphant from a defamation trial as the federal court jury swiftly rejected the $190 million claim brought against him by a British man over "pedo guy" tweet, who helped with the rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach from a flooding Thai cave.

Open in App

Both Musk and Vernon Unsworth were present for the closing remarks.

Musk appeared unhappy during the closing remarks, while Unsworth, whose back was to the jury, at times looked to be wiping tears from his eyes as Spiro spoke, The Verge reported on Friday.

During the last hearing, Musk's lawyer told the jury the tweet did not rise to the level of defamation and cases over insults didn't belong in federal courtrooms.

While, leaving the courtroom, Musk told reporters: "My faith in humanity is restored, the jury did the right thing."

"I accept the jury verdict, take it on the chin, and move on," Unsworth said outside court.

As per report, in closing remarks, Unsworth's attorney, L. Lin Wood, characterized one of Musk's tweets as "sue or true". Wood said he believed Musk got involved in the Thai cave rescue as a publicity stunt.

"I believe Elon Musk saw an opportunity to capitalize on the attention," Wood said in his closing statement.

Additionally, Wood asked for $5 million in actual damages, $35 million in assumed damages and $150 million in punitive damages.

"Anybody that knows this man knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that Elon's accusations were false," Wood said outside court. "This was not the justice that he deserved under the evidence."

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: L Lin WoodelonSpiro
Open in App

Related Stories

TechnologyTesla may unveil $25K Model 2 car in 2024

BusinessDogeliens looks certain to surpass meme coins like Dogelon Mars

BusinessCreate wealth and find joy with the Big Eyes Coin 250K Giveaway, Dogelon Mars, and Axie Infinity

TechnologyTesla accidentally leaks all upcoming Supercharger locations

TechnologyTesla in-car video games raise drivers safety concerns

टेकमेनिया Realted Stories

TechnologyTech Mahindra headcount drops by 1,757 in Q4

TechnologyCentre extends financial aid to indigenous indoor air purification solution

TechnologyIndia to soon launch safety assessment rating for trucks and heavy vehicles: Nitin Gadkari

TechnologyBroadband subscribers stand at 944.04 million in Feb, tele-density up: TRAI

TechnologyIndia achieves breakthrough in gene therapy for haemophilia: Minister