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Every gamer’s favorite disbarred lawyer, Jack Thompson, has a new nemesis with which to do battle. This time Facebook is feeling the brunt of his legal threats. Thompson claims that the social networking company allowed defamatory postings about him to remain on the site. He is asking for an eye-popping $40 million in damages.
Jack Thompson gained notoriety (or infamy, if you like) for his crusade against video games, which he referred to as “murder simulators.” This course of action angered many gamers, leading to public campaigns against the overzealous lawyer. He was eventually disbarred by the Florida Supreme Court for his public legal misconduct.
In Thompson’s complaint he says the Facebook postings have caused "great harm and distress." Some Facebook groups bearing his name include “I Hate Jack Thompson” and “Jack Thompson never played Legend of Zelda.” As evidence of discrimination, Thompson cites Facebook’s decision to remove threats against President Obama, leaving anti-Thompson groups on the site. Anyone care to defend Thompson on this?
Comments are closed on this article
allie_valenza
May 16, 2011 at 9:46am
Don't get me wrong but this post is very funny. I could never imagine that someone would create a group on Facebook called: “Jack Thompson never played Legend of Zelda”. I guess it really bothered the guy. There are many things on Facebook about well-known people and they don't even know it, not to mention that they didn't approve it. I agree with these kinds of web sites, I'm pro socialization but sometimes i think that Facebook went a little too far.
As for the legal aspects, maybe only Jonathan Dickstein can tell us if that is against the law or not. I have no idea how the system works.
hmshore
October 03, 2009 at 6:24am
Looks like this topic has brought out the worst in people. I've never seen so many comments that contain the word retard. the fact that some of you think it's okay to use that word if you explain yourself first makes you even more wrong. You know that word demeans people with special needs but you use it anyway. Just so off if you ask me. It's not about free speech. I'm not trying to stop you from using it. Just wondering why you would when you know the hurt it causes.
Wingzero_x
October 15, 2009 at 10:38am
There is a difference, one chooses to be retarded, being unable to progressively reason, due to the fact their head is in a crack. The other suffers from a condition that prevents them from progressive reasoning.
w2ed
October 03, 2009 at 7:21pm
As I explained before, I chose the word, knowing how some people would miss what I am saying and would assume the worst (as you clearly have demonstrated), because of its appropriateness. I normally avoid certain offensive words (in particular racial and social slurs, of which "retard" fits in) because of the impact such a word brings. However, every so often you come across someone or something to which that word is appropriate, and even though you know others may be offended, you also know that, by saying it the way you mean to say it, most people will put logic before stupidity and understand exactly what you mean. I explained myself because I knew a few people would not understand the severity of the actions to which said person has done to earn said offensive word - in other words, the degrees to which Jack Thompson has handled court cases, gamers and the public in general is such that, as far as I am concerned, the best way o handle him is to keep him as far away from anything socialized as possible. (If I had more faith in the human race, perhaps I'd be inclined to letting him stay - but this latest action already proves that, even without a license, he can spread his retarded stupidity with too much ease)
Rather than worry about how I use a word, worry instead about how much damage he can cause and be thankful that, even with my insults, the worst I want for him is a far cry from what some other people would want to do - especially considering that he is one of the ffew to which a violent means to stopping him might be justifiable. (I'd waste my time explaining that, but I'm sure there's more than enough info on the net to cover that.)
nekollx
October 03, 2009 at 12:36pm
we use "retard" becasue it's Jack's direct mental superior.
------------------------------
Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
1337Goose
October 02, 2009 at 2:32pm
Can somebody on MaxPC post a follow-up article when this is all resolved. I want to know how it ends.
~Goose
Trooper_One
October 02, 2009 at 12:09pm
Wow, being disgraced and disbarred isn't enough, yet he has to make further mockery of himself by suing free speech.
He, and many like him, are the reasons why the US Justice System is in such a disarray - too easy to sue for anything.
Hopefully his application would be turn down and the judge will make a mockery of him.
w2ed
October 02, 2009 at 10:55am
Some of you reading this article may not know why he is so hated, why the focus should go away from "violent video games" and should instead be on "Stop this idiot before he does further damage." So, here to help, are a few links:
- Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Thompson_%28activist%29
- Google: http://www.google.com/search?q=Jack+Thompson+Lawyer&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a
- Bing: http://www.bing.com/search?q=Jack+Thompson+Lawyer&form=OSDSRC
- Yahoo: http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=Jack+Thompson+Lawyer&ei=UTF-8&fr=moz35
If the information provided at those places aren't enough to make you understand why these groups on Facebook exist, if they aren't enough to help you understand why so many video gamers dislike him, if they aren't enough to help you see why, even as a lawyer he's a joke, then nothing will.
da_samman
October 02, 2009 at 10:43am
Disbarred means he cannot PRACTICE law, it does not mean he cannot file a lawsuit on his own behalf through another lawyer.
Indeed, this fucktard REALLY needs to get over his hatred of "murder simulators", settle down with a good woman and a pint of Guinness, and SHUT THE HELL UP!!
Sincerely yours, from Fort Lewis, WA
SGT Samuel E. McClard II
Life's a journey, enjoy the ride!!
nekollx
October 02, 2009 at 9:20am
I'd like to know the mythical Oboma groups "just like his" before passing judgment
------------------------------
Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
gamefanatic26
October 02, 2009 at 7:38am
This is the type of person who is up at 2:00am looking for some one to sue for the stupidest of reasons. Im apart of the groups mentioned above on facebook, he had it coming as soon as as he started in on the video game industry. Now hes looking for money some wheres else targeting things most people love and use on a daily basis. You cant do these types of thing as much as he dose and not to be expect to be hated by people. People hate him for good reason and you cant blame them for it. He has taken on many video game companys in the past including the one that makes sim and grand theft auto and is now taking on social networks.
Being hated is apart of life learn to live with it.
habuza
October 02, 2009 at 7:59am
Nah, you know why he hates video games and the internet? He's one of those people who got his ass whupped all over the place on pong, atari games like combat, and couldn't even manage to beat the murderous pill popping rampage that is *drumroll* pacman. Bet he can't even manage a game of peggle w/o going into a psychopathic nerd rage.
He needs to get the f*ck over himself.
Anyway, he's disbarred, doesn't that mean... hrmm.. no more lawyering or something to that effect?
quantumnerd
October 02, 2009 at 11:00am
I guess it's because of my age (13), but pac-man is VERY hard for me. Then again, I think it WAS hard when I was 6. Oops.
Truth be told, i'm not the best EVAR at games, but hey. Just cause I lose a few times doesn't mean I go and be an asshole.
nekollx
October 02, 2009 at 11:14am
I can't beat Mega Man (any) without help/guides. Don't see me calling it a Terrorist Simulator.
------------------------------
Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
nekollx
October 02, 2009 at 10:29am
Disbared means legally he can't be a "lawer" but even a retard has the right to represent themselves (or hire a lawer)
------------------------------
Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
spentnickles
October 02, 2009 at 3:44am
I think video game companies should sue this moron for harassment... What an idiot...
mesiah
October 01, 2009 at 10:14pm
MPC, you should probably remove this article immediatly if you don't want to be the next to be sued. >.> Also, has anyone created a Jack Thompson murder simulator?
*I answered my own question. Aparently there IS a jacl thompson murder simulator hidden in a gta game. I wouldnt mind playing it :D*
Caboose
October 02, 2009 at 8:15am
I believe that Jack THompson is also an unlockable character in a Mortal Kombat game. But I'm not sure about that... COuld hav ebeen fake!
-= I don't want to be dead, I want to be alive! Or... a cowboy! =-
whitneymr
October 01, 2009 at 9:47pm
This is the prefect time to convince people it's too easy to file lawsuits.
baGoGoodies111
October 01, 2009 at 9:17pm
This suit is probably going to be thrown out. Main issue: That idiot isn't worth $1 Million, let alone $30 mil.
w2ed
October 01, 2009 at 8:37pm
I realize that some people would consider Jack Thompson to be a retard, but I have to disagree: even retards have more sense than he has.*
There's a huge difference between Mr. "I-Have-To-Sue-You-Because-You-Disagree-With-Me" Thompson and the President. While I am sure many would love to kill either one, the President has a real job with real responsibilities, is more well known, is considered by many to be more important, and hasn't done as much yet to justify the hatred Mr. Thompson brought on himself.
I don't blame him for wanting to shut these groups down, but he should realize he brought much of this on himself. Maybe if he'd use his head a little more and was friendlier when gamers try to extend an olive branch, maybe less people would hate him.
* To those offended by my use of the word retard: I mean absolutely no disrespect to anyone with physical or mental disabilities, and consider a person who is a retard as someone who chooses to be and remain dumb. As for choice of word, I chose that over imbacile for effect only. Again, no offense was meant.
jwalch.hawk
October 01, 2009 at 8:31pm
As Facebook is not the government, I don't see as how the First Amendment applies.
Also, the First Amendment has *never* granted protection for libel against an individual. In other words, you can't run around saying whatever you want about people and then drop the freedom of speech card. If you intentionally damage the reputation of someone else with false statements, they have every right to sue your ass off.
That said, this guy's just an idiot. You can't attack something that a large of number are really attached to and then get upset when they don't like you. That would be like Bill Maher being offended at Christians boycotting his shows.
zNelson24
October 02, 2009 at 8:10am
The 1st Amendment dosen't cover libel, and Facebook is a closed service where your 1st Amendment rights are limited.
While the constitution grants Americans the right to a good reputation, it comes with the responsibility of maintaining that reputation. Jack's crusade agianst games pretty much destroyed the good reputation he had, which he did to himself.
And so he's sueing Facebook, big deal, anybody can do that. Hes not going to do anything but embarass himself, and I can only pray that Facebook goes and counter sues for the troubles hes causing.
w2ed
October 01, 2009 at 8:48pm
Considering how much he's abused First Amendment rights, considering the majority of what is said about him IS ture, I don't see where he has a platform to stand on. Can you sue someone for telling the truth about you?
Yes, most gamers would love an opportunity to goviolent on him, and I'm sure there's a number of others who would love to see him get brutally hurt, but their reasons for this agressions stem from his actions towards people. Rather than crying to the legal system because he can't handle what people have to say, he should start giving people reason to like him again.
Velcrow
October 01, 2009 at 9:22pm
"I hate Jack Thompson" is an opinion and "Jack Thompson never played Zelda" might be true. The first can't be sued against because of 1st Amend Rights, the second, if provable, is presented as fact and also protected. Furthermore, can he prove he approached Facebook to have the groups removed? If he didn't, well then they can just remove them now and call it a day. But they won't.
1337Goose
October 01, 2009 at 6:40pm
Why does he have to be such a Paris Hilton all the time...
God help me if they both decide to sue...
~Goose
1337Goose
October 02, 2009 at 3:12pm
I think by comparing the two to one another, I have offended them both mutually. Quite genius, if I do say so myself.
~Goose
[EDIT] Oh damnit, did I just have a captain oblivious moment?
habuza
October 02, 2009 at 8:03am
Negative , but fact :
She's ditzy
She's whiny
She's a spoiled brat
but this is all common knowledge
w2ed
October 02, 2009 at 10:33am
There are two positives to Paris Hilton that Jack Thompson doesn't have:
1. She isn't trying to screw over a number of industries by banning or restricting the sales of their products. (Remember, Jack Thompson hasn't only affected the video game industry - he also messed with the music industry as well.)
2. She actually seems to be more pleasent to be around than Jack Thompson. (Granted, some like myself would have a hard time being around her for more than 5 minutes, but that easily beats Mr. Thompson. Which would you rather be locked in the same room with?)
If that's not enough of a positive, I can go by the old standby that most guys would have said: Which would you rather wake up with in the morning? (My personal choice is neither, but if I was forced to choose, I'd go with the chick...)
