FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2026
Contact
Cali Madia Esq., Veridian Legal
(646) 926-1801
Cali@VeridianLegal.com
Victim of Former Friend’s Hateful Harassment Campaign Awarded $4.2 Million
Brooklyn, New York – A New York Supreme Court has awarded more than $4.2 million in damages to a victim of a sustained and deeply personal online abuse campaign involving the nonconsensual dissemination of intimate images—commonly referred to as “revenge porn.”
The judgment, entered following a default and subsequent inquest on damages, represents a significant victory for victims of digital sexual exploitation and online harassment.
The Court found that the defendant engaged in a prolonged and “deliberate, outrageous and reprehensible” campaign targeting the plaintiff, including the widespread distribution of intimate images, coordinated online harassment, and attacks on the plaintiff’s religion, pregnancy, and family. The abuse continued even after the plaintiff relocated out of state in an effort to escape the conduct.
After hearing testimony and reviewing extensive documentary evidence, the Court awarded:
$2,000,000 in punitive damages
$2,000,000 in combined past and future emotional distress damages
Compensation for lost wages and future medical care
Attorneys’ fees and costs
In total, the judgment amounts to $4,202,772.54.
“This decision reflects a growing recognition by courts that online abuse—particularly involving intimate images—is not only deeply violating, but deserving of substantial financial and legal consequences,” said counsel for H.H.
The case underscores the severe and lasting harm caused by nonconsensual image distribution, including emotional trauma, reputational damage, and economic loss. The Court credited evidence showing that the abuse directly resulted in the plaintiff losing her employment while pregnant and requiring ongoing psychological treatment for trauma-related conditions.
Notably, the Court emphasized the extraordinary nature of the defendant’s conduct in awarding substantial punitive damages, finding that the behavior persisted despite law enforcement involvement and the initiation of legal proceedings.
This outcome highlights the increasing willingness of courts to impose meaningful consequences in cases involving online exploitation and harassment, particularly where defendants attempt to evade responsibility through default or continued misconduct.
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About Veridian Legal
Founded by Daniel Szalkiewicz (NY, NJ) and Cali Madia (NY, FL),
Veridian Legal is a New York City-based law firm dedicated to standing up against
image-based sexual abuse and advocating for victims’ rights.