William G. Dickson has filed a defamation lawsuit against Lidia's Flowers Inc. and its owner, Roberto Ayala, alleging that they published false statements about him. The complaint was filed on October 8, 2024, in the Superior Court of California for Ventura County. Dickson accuses the defendants of both libel and slander.
The lawsuit centers around an incident that occurred on August 24, 2024, when Dickson was driving within Los Angeles County. According to the complaint, Lidia's Flowers Inc., through Ayala, published a statement on August 30 that falsely attributed liability for this incident to Dickson. The publication allegedly contained reckless and untrue assertions that damaged Dickson's reputation by exposing him to public contempt and ridicule. The plaintiff claims these actions were intentional and malicious, with the intent to harm his standing in the community.
Dickson further alleges that Lidia's Flowers Inc. and Ayala concealed their interactions with a witness named Alejandra Ayala, providing false statements in official documents regarding her testimony. This concealment purportedly misled Dickson into believing these statements were truthful, which he relied upon to his detriment. As a result of these actions, Dickson claims he suffered damages amounting to $1,800 for vehicle repairs and seeks additional compensatory damages totaling $35,000.
In his legal filing, Dickson asserts two causes of action: defamation through libel and slander. He argues that the defendants conspired with witnesses to undermine his self-defense interests and tarnish his business reputation among peers and potential investors. The plaintiff is seeking punitive damages of $35,000 due to what he describes as willful disregard for his rights by the defendants.
Represented by attorney William G. Dickson IV from Simi Valley, California, the plaintiff requests judgment against all defendants for monetary damages including prejudgment interest at a rate of 3% from October 15, 2024. Additionally, he seeks coverage for attorney fees and other costs associated with the suit.
The case is presided over by Ventura County Superior Court under Case No.: 2024CUDFO31460 with Judge Alex Fopez overseeing proceedings.