Ms. Richardson could have mentioned that the gazebo was not 100% redwood.
However, calling the contractor "non-licensed" was a different matter.
Ms. Richardson's Harassment Counterclaim
Ms. Richardson filed a counterclaim against Mr. Barnes.
She claimed Mr. Barnes harassed her.
She stated that Mr. Barnes came to her house with letters of demand.
Ms. Richardson also alleged that Mr. Barnes said "nasty things" about her.
She confirmed this when Judge Judy asked if he said nasty things.
Details of Alleged Harassment
Judge Judy asked for specific examples of the "nasty things" Mr. Barnes said.
Ms. Richardson stated that Mr. Barnes accused her of ripping him off for $7,000.
This amount was based on what Mr. Barnes considered the agreed-upon price.
He ended up receiving $10,000 after the previous judgment.
Ms. Richardson presented her original receipt for $13,856.
She mentioned that Mr. Barnes had six to eight weeks to complete the gazebo.
She claimed it was still not together, almost a year later.
Judge Judy Addresses Harassment Claim
Judge Judy asked if anyone else had touched the gazebo since Mr. Barnes.
Ms. Richardson confirmed that nobody else had worked on it.
Judge Judy then focused on Mr. Barnes' visits to Ms. Richardson's house.
Ms. Richardson stated he came "several times" with letters of demand.
She said he asked her to take down the online post.
Judge Judy clarified that Mr. Barnes was allowed to ask her to remove the review.
She stated that asking to remove a Yelp review is not harassment.
The Verdict on Libel
Judge Judy ruled that Ms. Richardson's statement about Mr. Barnes being a "non-licensed contractor" was libelous.
She found the statement to be untrue.
Ms. Richardson had no proof to support that specific claim.
Judge Judy stated that such a claim about someone's business is unacceptable.
She ordered Ms. Richardson to pay Mr. Barnes $2,500.
Dismissal of Harassment Counterclaim
Judge Judy dismissed Ms. Richardson's counterclaim for harassment.
She concluded that Mr. Barnes' actions did not rise to the level of harassment.
His attempts to have the review removed were considered permissible.
The court found no evidence of slander or libel in Mr. Barnes' statements to Ms. Richardson.
Final Outcome
The judgment was for Mr. Barnes, the plaintiff, in the amount of $2,500.
Ms. Richardson's counterclaim for harassment was dismissed.
The case concluded with Ms. Richardson owing Mr. Barnes $2,500.