According to an appeals court, a woman scammed by a Kenny Chesney impersonator will not be able to sue the country music superstar.
Duped into paying $310,000.00 to a phony Kenny Chesney, Patricia Linson claimed that the real star was legally liable for failing to stop imposters from defrauding his fans. But in last week’s ruling, a California court decided that legal precedent does not require celebrities to “warn and protect their fans against third-party imposter scams,” adding:
“We do not doubt that financial scams are becoming more sophisticated and prevalent as technological developments make it easier for people to impersonate others,” further noting that it would stretch “common sense and sound public policy to require celebrities to post warnings about third-party scams on their websites and social media accounts lest they face liability”.
According to the plaintiff, Linson said the Chesney imposter contacted her via LinkedIn in 2021 and pleaded with her to send him the cash in order to appear at an awards show, to repair instruments and to pay for music videos. She was reportedly convinced when the imposter shared details about future concerts and releases that were not yet public.
After realizing the scam, in 2022 Linson filed a lawsuit aimed at holding the actual fraudster and a named accomplice responsible, but also accusing the real Kenny Chesney of failing to stop the fraud. Arguing he likely knew that bad actors were duping fans and should have taken proactive steps to warn them, Patricia sued the musician for negligence.
The court has ordered Linson to pay Chesney’s legal expenses incurred in defending the appeal.
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Author: Al Dente
Photo: Lunchbox LP