Mr. Paul attributed the cessation of orders to Steven's "defaming" him.
He mentioned the death threats as a consequence.
The Loan for Rent Request
Steven recounted that Mr. Paul reached out to him for another loan.
This loan was to pay his rent.
Steven declined unless he received access to the business accounts.
Mr. Paul then said "never mind."
Steven interpreted this as a sign that "something's up."
He continued promoting the candy, giving Mr. Paul the benefit of the doubt.
Steven acknowledged Mr. Paul worked two jobs.
He also mentioned being a busy person himself.
Steven's girlfriend then started trying to contact Mr. Paul.
She was a close family friend of Mr. Paul.
Steven stated he didn't personally know Mr. Paul, "not anymore."
Contradictions and Inconsistencies
Judge Judy highlighted inconsistencies in Mr. Paul's testimony.
Mr. Paul claimed he was making thousands of dollars.
Yet, he needed a loan for rent.
This struck Judge Judy as contradictory.
Mr. Paul also initially denied not fulfilling orders.
However, when presented with evidence, he admitted he didn't fulfill all of them.
Steven's initial claim was that the $1,000 was a loan.
But the written agreement clearly established a 50/50 partnership.
Judge Judy emphasized this distinction.
She stated it was a business agreement, not a loan.
The Reinvestment Clause
Mr. Paul claimed that any money coming in as profits was to go back into the business.
He stated it was not for him personally.
He presented text messages to support this.
Judge Judy asked to see the writing where Steven agreed to this.
Mr. Paul pointed to text messages.
He read a message where Steven stated he was under the impression all orders after their deal were a 50/50 split.
Steven's message continued, "I don't even want any money no time soon since I'm going to reinvest it back into the company anyway."
Steven confirmed he was going to reinvest.
He clarified that he had to "get it correct" first.
Judge Judy's Assessment
Judge Judy concluded that Steven made a bad business deal.
She stated it was not a loan.
She explained that Steven went into business with the wrong person.
This happens all the time, she noted.
When you go into business with the wrong guy, you lose your money.
Steven maintained that Mr. Paul had agreed to pay back the $1,000 investment.
Judge Judy asked him to show her where this was in writing.
Steven stated the only thing he had was the 50/50 contract.
He then claimed that four days later, Mr. Paul gave him two weeks to pay it back.
Steven then said Mr. Paul put up "this slanderous post."
Judge Judy interrupted him.
She stated she didn't ask him anything about that.
She then called Mr. Paul "a little bit of a con artist."
Steven mentioned they spoke on the phone about it several times.
Judge Judy dismissed this as not being a written agreement.
The Verdict
Judge Judy reiterated that it was not a loan.
She concluded it was a bad business deal.
The case was dismissed.
Steven's claim for the $1,000 was dismissed.
It was deemed a bad business deal, not a loan.
Mr. Paul's counterclaim was also dismissed.
This was due to his failure to fulfill orders.
The parties were excused.
Steven described it as a "$1,000 learning experience."
He stated Mr. Paul loved the products.
He put up multiple social media posts.
Steven found Mr. Paul hard to contact after giving him the money.