US company sues woman over her 1-Star review on Google, claims defamation

Starr Manufacturing Inc., an Ohio-based company that produces industrial equipment, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Julie Watson, a Columbus resident, after she posted a one-star review on Google. According to the company's legal complaint, Watson falsely and maliciously claimed that the company had experienced quality and manufacturing issues with multiple customers, and even offered to provide names and addresses of other customers who could confirm these issues.

The lawsuit alleges that the review caused significant reputational harm to the company and resulted in damages. Starr Manufacturing is seeking over $25,000 in damages, court costs, and attorney fees. Their lawyer, Thomas Nader, told PEOPLE that Watson has never been a customer of the company and that the negative review was the result of a personal vendetta involving Watson and one of the company's employees.