Woman Sues After Facebook Romance Fails
LIVONIA (AP) - They met over Mafia Wars, but now the real fighting has begun. A suburban Detroit woman is suing a Washington state man for more than $8,000 in damages after a romance sparked over Facebook failed.
Cheryl Gray, 50, of Livonia filed the civil lawsuit in May against 35-year-old Wylie Iwan of Kennewick, Wash., claiming misrepresentation, defamation of character and other charges.
Gray is seeking repayment for gifts she bought during their six-month relationship, including a digital camera and Seattle Mariners' home opener tickets. She said Iwan has repaid $300.
The single mother said they met playing Mafia Wars, and that the friendship became romantic. For months they spent as many as six hours a day communicating online.
Gray told WXYZ-TV that she bought a plane ticket to visit him but a week before the planned trip he sent a message saying he had met someone else. She said she felt humiliated by disparaging comments he made about her on Facebook.
Iwan's attorney, Julian Poota, told The Associated Press he's filed a motion to dismiss the case but declined further comment. An Aug. 1 hearing is scheduled in Livonia's district court.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
