But she did ultimately conclude that each of the women had been defamed: Lu for being called "a liar, a slut and a bitch, and someone who deceives and swindles others" and Shen for being called "the most famous cheap woman of Shanghai."
'Each woman feels bullied'
But how to assess damages?
The judge said neither had provided evidence of widespread reputational damage. And when it came right down to it, why would anyone else pay attention to these warring women?
"It is difficult to imagine that anyone, apart from Ms. Lu and Ms. Shen themselves, cares whether Ms. Lu is right or Ms. Shen is right, or cares about Ms. Lu's and Ms. Shen's opinions about one another," Adair wrote.
"However, based on the evidence I have before me, I find that each woman feels bullied, abused and harassed by the other."
Adair ordered each of the women to pay one other $5,000 as a nominal amount for general damages.
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She also found they had breached each other's privacy, but that Shen's behaviour was slightly more egregious because she kept posting insults to the forum even after Lu had filed the initial notice of civil claim.
For that reason, Adair awarded Lu $4,000 and Shen $3,500.
A slight victory for Lu.
And possible grounds for a new conflict between them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jason Proctor
@proctor_jason
Jason Proctor is a reporter in British Columbia for CBC News and has covered the B.C. courts and mental health issues in the justice system extensively.
'Each woman feels bullied'
But how to assess damages?
The judge said neither had provided evidence of widespread reputational damage. And when it came right down to it, why would anyone else pay attention to these warring women?
"It is difficult to imagine that anyone, apart from Ms. Lu and Ms. Shen themselves, cares whether Ms. Lu is right or Ms. Shen is right, or cares about Ms. Lu's and Ms. Shen's opinions about one another," Adair wrote.
"However, based on the evidence I have before me, I find that each woman feels bullied, abused and harassed by the other."
Adair ordered each of the women to pay one other $5,000 as a nominal amount for general damages.
IN DEPTH Months to marry and years to split as Chinese millionaire battles Vegas spouseBusinessman claims fiancée lied about cancer, career and citizenship
She also found they had breached each other's privacy, but that Shen's behaviour was slightly more egregious because she kept posting insults to the forum even after Lu had filed the initial notice of civil claim.
For that reason, Adair awarded Lu $4,000 and Shen $3,500.
A slight victory for Lu.
And possible grounds for a new conflict between them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jason Proctor
@proctor_jason
Jason Proctor is a reporter in British Columbia for CBC News and has covered the B.C. courts and mental health issues in the justice system extensively.
