Ohio Company Sues Woman Over One-Star Google Review Alleging Defamation

Ohio-based Starr Manufacturing Inc., an industrial equipment manufacturer, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Columbus resident Julie Watson over a one-star Google review. The company alleges that Watson made false and malicious claims about its quality and manufacturing record in the review.

The complaint states that Watson 'falsely and maliciously made claims' that Starr Manufacturing had various quality and manufacturing failures with multiple customers. The company also claims that Watson wrote she could provide names and addresses of additional people who could confirm these manufacturing issues, which it says were false.

Starr Manufacturing is seeking over $25,000 in damages, as well as court costs and attorney fees. Thomas Nader, the attorney representing Starr Manufacturing, said the dispute is not a case of a dissatisfied customer criticizing a business, but rather a personal vendetta by Watson against an employee of the company.

The lawsuit highlights how Google reviews can become a legal issue when businesses believe that statements posted publicly are false and damaging. While customers routinely use online reviews to share experiences and opinions, companies can challenge statements they believe cross the line into defamatory claims.