Business sues Dallas couple over negative Yelp review

A Texas couple faces a lawsuit demanding thousands of dollars over a negative Yelp review about a business. They signed a contract prohibiting them from writing any poor reviews about the company. One senator who co-sponsored the Consumer Review Freedom Act says lawsuits like these are infringing on people's freedoms. Cristin Severance of Dallas station KTVT reports.

[wwinky]

Wow I didn’t know businesses were doing this. Now when I see all positive comments for a business I won’t know if it’s because the unsatisfied customers were just afraid to comment.

[phayzyre]

They used their real name on Yelp; you NEVER do that.  Use an And don't use a personal photo

[kesayo]

they should also make a list of businesses that tried to sue reviewers instead of trying to improve their business. That in itself tells you what you need to know about them.

[multuminparvo]

If the company learned from the Yelper feedback how to improve their services and then did so, there should ultimately be a positive impact as their company improved its services. In the business world, it's about being able to keep with and even surpass your competitors with good services in demand. Yelpers should be able to do their part, which demands freedom of speech.

[kathleentate]

What, you now get a good review, no matter how bad a job you do

[citizencain]

So they had ONE statement from the business. And didn't interview the owners on camera. I think I know which way the news is wanting to persuade you.

[Crimsonphilosophy]

interesting case. the internet is like walking into a public square and voicing your opinion to those around you. If I can say I hate my pet sitter in public without repercussions then I can say it on the internet.

[pedrosueta]

Unless it is flat-out lies from the reviewers, why are there so many businesses nowadays confront customers instead of try to find out what went wrong and offer solutions? Did their feelings and pride got hurt? Do they need safe space on yelp? And what's up with slipping in an essentially "no complaining" clause into any business contract? That's just childish practice.

[bagobeans]

In order for it to be slanderous, it has to be done with malice. Having an opinion or stating a fact about a business is not slander. They did sign a contract, so they are liable.

[pureforce]

fact is there are many many great businesses that get bad reviews from unreasonable customers...it is horrible how some people treat companies....yes I know there are crappy companies too...just making a case for the good ones

[Truth]

Just because you sue doesn't mean you win lol..
I doubt a judge will even continue this stupid crap

[jonono]

A pet sitter for their pampered fish !

[jamescc]

That was a bad business. Now we have to read the contract.

I would then communicate in writing such as emailing, or texting and post those on your yelp reviews as evidence to make your review factual and accurate.

Anyways here is my issue with a company.

I am having problem with a home restoration company in Ca after a plumbing leak from upstairs' vanity where they had removed all of my kitchen and vanity cabinets, without asking for Allstate insurance approval. Right now they are very short, not responding to my questions, and not keeping me up today while Allstate is still reviewing pictures, moisture readings etc. to determine if they will pay more.


Allstate so far declines to pay for my kitchen cabinet restore etc, and the company is not really helping since it is their fault.

I am thinking for giving a bad review to this company since they are at fault of removing my cabinets, and copy all email correspondences to the post now to force the company to positively respond, without taking them to small claim court and go thru time and pain to cover my loss.

What do you think?

[AttestedFire]

Yelp is a thing for a reason, the buisness is stupid, it's legal to give an opinion on a buisness.

[deroiste]

I left a negative review of a restaurant and a renting company on google and both called me to tell me to take them down because they saw my new pic and had my number. I don’t understand how that’s in Ireland so prob different. The restaurant actually threatened that the police would be on my door step for slander if I so much for voicing your opinion

[lakeseminole]

She was mean and vicious. Glad to had the expense of having to hire an attorney.

[PianoBlackTrimRep.]

Dude you can't sue someone over a Yelp review. Wtf is wrong with

[rrl]

Lol "well I didn't read it".... then why did you sign it ?!

[AndyMc]

Typical yelp users. They enjoy seeing the misery of others and talking about others from a distance.

[BestOnThursdays]

I have a friend that gets all excited when he leaves a rude comment...I think it funny but I don't think his one comment hurts the business if it's truthful and tells fact ABOUT THE COMPANY... Sometimes the comments he leaves are about the encounter and he goes all out from their breath their hair and the possible outcome of their life... And not a thing about the company... That's where I think the clause should be... On those kind of comment they aren't reviews and they are not helpful... People see the stars and make judgement... they should fix it in a way everyone is happy...But hey I'm a YouTube commenter with nothing really to say...

If you read this have a great day ;)