A shop owner who sued a bride for £15,000 compensation over damaging online reviews has reached an out-of-court settlement.
Broughty Ferry shop owner Yvonne Watson sued newlywed Marie Aitken for substantial damages over a series of one-star reviews she posted across social media sites.
Perth Sheriff Court was told an agreement had been reached between the warring parties prior to a two-day hearing which was due to start yesterday.
The parties have been ordered not to discuss terms of the agreement, although it is understood the bride has not agreed to pay any money to the owner of The Bridal Boutique.
Ms Watson of Carnoustie raised the unusual defamation action against disgruntled bride Miss Aitken over claims her reviews cost the shop business.
Ms Watson sought damages, along with an interdict banning the newlywed from posting further “defamatory statements” about the bridalwear shop.
Miss Aitken, now Marie Mason following her marriage, took to social media with her complaints about her £2,000 Pronovias Druida dress.
She ordered the dress from the shop, along with a veil and tiara, in September last year but claimed there were problems with the size and colour of the dress when it arrived.
Mrs Mason took to various online platforms, including Facebook, Google Reviews, Trust Pilot and the You & Your Wedding bridal forum, to express her anger.
Ms Watson said Mrs Mason had falsely claimed the dress she was given was either “fake or second hand”.
She sought £15,000 from Mrs Mason as compensation for the damage she claims was caused to the business by her reviews.
The firm won a Dundee business award in 2017.
