A Landmark Victory: Texas Woman Awarded $1.2 Billion in Revenge Porn Case
A Houston Jury Sends a Strong Message to Deter Despicable Tech-Fueled Crimes
Justice in the life and conduct of the State is possible only as first it resides in the hearts and souls of the citizens.
In a landmark legal decision, a Texas woman, known by her initials D.L., was awarded a staggering $1.2 billion settlement after a Houston-area jury ruled she was the victim of revenge porn. The case against her former boyfriend, Marques Jamal Jackson, has become a symbol of the fight against image-based sexual abuse.
D.L. and Jackson began dating in 2016 and moved to Chicago for Jackson's job. After their breakup in October 2021, Jackson maliciously posted intimate images of D.L. online, tagging her employer and gym. He even tapped into her mother's home security system to spy on her. One of his final messages to D.L. read, "You will spend the rest of your life trying and failing to wipe yourself off the internet."
The billion-dollar settlement is a symbolic victory for victims of revenge porn, a term used to describe the act of sharing intimate images without consent. D.L.'s attorney, Bradford Gilde, stated that the verdict gives D.L. back her good name and serves as a plea to raise awareness of this tech-fueled national epidemic.
D.L.'s case is part of a growing trend where victims of revenge porn are fighting back and winning substantial sums:
In 2021, a Maryland woman won $500,000 from a Michigan man who posted nude photographs of her online.
A California woman was awarded $6.45 million after her ex-boyfriend shared nude pictures and videos of her online.
Nearly all 50 states, including Texas, have passed laws banning revenge porn. Massachusetts and South Carolina are exceptions, with Massachusetts still working on legislation. These laws reflect a growing recognition of the need to protect individuals from this form of abuse.
The staggering amount of the verdict sends a clear message of deterrence. Gilde expressed admiration for D.L.'s courage, stating, "We hope the staggering amount of this verdict sends a message of deterrence and prevents others from this engaging in this despicable activity."
This landmark case serves as a call to action in the fight against revenge porn. It emphasizes the need for legal measures, societal recognition, and support for victims. The billion-dollar settlement is not just a legal triumph; it's a plea for empathy, a step towards justice, and a beacon of hope for those who have suffered in silence.
