Teen who licked soy sauce bottle faces $500k lawsuit from sushi chain; lawyer claims he never intended to make video of incident go viral.
A sushi chain in Utah is suing a teenager for allegedly causing extensive damages to their reputation by licking a soy sauce bottle and then putting it back on the shelf. The incident took place in July 2020 at a Sushiville restaurant, and a video of the act went viral on social media, receiving millions of views.
The restaurant, represented by attorneys from the law firm Ray Quinney & Nebeker, is demanding compensatory damages of $486,000 and punitive damages of up to $1.5 million from the 18-year-old. The lawsuit claims that the action of licking the bottle was “willful, malicious, and intentional” and resulted in costs for PR, marketing, and equipment replacement.
However, the teen’s lawyer, Scott W. Berry, argues that his client never intended for the footage to become viral and sincerely regrets his actions. Berry stated that the teen has already faced severe consequences, including death threats and harassment, and that suing him would exacerbate the situation.
Many people are speaking out about the case, with some taking the side of the restaurant chain and arguing that the teenager’s actions are unacceptable and deserved punishment. Others claim that the amount being demanded by Sushiville is excessive and disproportionate to the harm inflicted.
The incident raises questions regarding social media and its power to affect real-world consequences. For instance, it highlights the need for businesses to monitor their online presence and take steps to protect their reputation. Additionally, it demonstrates the potential dangers of viral content and the moral responsibilities of content creators and social media users.
In conclusion, the Sushiville lawsuit against the teen who licked a soy sauce bottle reveals the complex issues that arise in today’s digital age. While it may be tempting to assign blame and seek financial redress, it is essential to consider the broader societal implications of such actions and strive for a more nuanced and ethical approach.
