Man told to pay damages for hateful posts about late 'Terrace House' star

May 19, 2021 | News On Japan

May 19, 2021 (Japan Times) - A Japanese court on Wednesday ordered a man to pay about ¥1.29 million for causing emotional distress to the family of the late Hana Kimura, a cast member of the now-canceled reality TV show "Terrace House," after posting hateful messages about her online after her death.

The suit seeking around Y2.94 million in damages was filed with the Tokyo District Court in January by Kyoko Kimura after her 22-year-old daughter, a professional wrestler, killed herself in May last year following a barrage of hateful messages on social media triggered by her appearance on the popular Netflix reality show.

The man from Nagano Prefecture had posted malicious comments about Kimura's death, such as "Everyone is happier that you died, thank you," and "Who do you think you are, causing trouble until the end? Go to hell," according to the lawsuit.

It was the first damages claim made for defamatory comments targeting Kimura, according to her mother's lawyers. Kimura was found dead at her apartment in Tokyo.

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