CoCoBeanOs sue for libel over Facebook 'hate club' page

Melissa Topey's picture
02:18 AM
Jun 19
2010
Register photo/JASON WERLING
The Cocobeanos take the Main Jager Stage at the foot of Columbus Avenue on Saturday, June 12, 2010.

SANDUSKY

Comments on a Facebook page left a sour note with a local band.

The CoCoBeanOs and lead singer Scott Gast filed a lawsuit against people who left messages they say defamed the band and its singer on Facebook, a popular social networking website.

The messages were posted on a Facebook page called "CoCoBeanOs Hate Club," along with comments and photo illustrations Gast said are defamatory.

"There were some inappropriate photos and very lewd comments on there that are libelous," said CoCoBeanOs' attorney Geoffrey Kudlo.

The complaint also said images of concert posters and photographs were altered to embarrass Gast and other band members.

"Some photographs portray them as sexual offenders and are vulgar," Kudlo said. "When you're behind a computer it's easy to say things you would not say in front of an actual person or post pictures you would not normally post."

Defendants in the lawsuit are Stanley McMurray III, Anthony L. Harrington, Jim Dwyre, Benjamin Kluding, Christopher Skaggs, Thomas Weaver -- a former CoCoBeanOs band member -- and Facebook.

Tom Duzsa, Jim Dwyre's attorney, said he hasn't had the opportunity to review the case or meet with Dwyre and his family.

A message left for Harrington's attorney, John Kirwan, was not returned.

Weaver did not respond to requests for an interview. In an e-mail he sent to the Register, however, Weaver said the lawsuit is frivolous and is an attempt to stop people from exercising their right to freedom of speech.

Gast and Kudlo asked for a temporary restraining order to block the Facebook page, which was created on April 12.

"We asked Facebook to take the page down and they did," Kudlo said.

The negative comments and pictures could have had an impact on concert turnout for the band, whose shows are often geared toward family and children, Kudlo said.

"We don't want to infringe on anyone's First Amendment rights, but we don't want this defamation," Kudlo said.

Comments

Share your thoughts and opinions with your community. All comments on our site are governed by our Discussion Guidelines. You must have a valid account to post comments.

columbus avenue's picture
Jul 10, 2010
02:00 AM

columbus avenue says

The only problem I have ever known about this band is that everytime they play they are just a beat off. That's all.
Red Baron's picture
Jul 08, 2010
08:36 AM

Red Baron says

How stupid and what a waste of time. Time to grow up people and focus on issues of real importance.

Jimmy Ego's picture
Jul 08, 2010
07:16 AM

Jimmy Ego says

Don't you think it will be a good thing when Daleys and the Crow Bar close? I do.

hancrack me up's picture
Jul 07, 2010
11:29 PM

hancrack me up says

 I hear Daly's is closing. What happened to them will happen to the Crow Bar in a year or so thanks to thugs. I hear Club X is so far "in the hole" (no pun intended) they'll be forced to close soon also. That leaves 1 decent bar (Cabana Jack's) even though they have raised prices & weakened their drinks), and one armpit bar-the Undergrime...(someplace the 'Beanos would never have to lower themselves (physically & socially) & play).

Welcome to SinDUDski!!!
Paul Letherer's picture
Jul 07, 2010
07:25 PM

Paul Letherer says

 THERE IS AN OLD SAYING " THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BAD PUBLICITY "

 

reader's picture
Jul 06, 2010
02:23 PM

reader says

I emailed Jason Singer and asked in how many of the homes being demolished would the lots remain the property of the present owner. No answer..... Apparently the story struck a nerve with some part of the community and the Register has chosen to not pursue the matter any further. So much for journalistic courage.

columbus avenue's picture
Jul 05, 2010
03:08 PM

columbus avenue says

How come there are 111 comments about this band and NONE about St. Mary's getting their properties on Adams Street torn down for free and then getting to keep the land as well??? Please correct this impression for the public if this is incorrect.
welp cya later's picture
Jul 04, 2010
11:04 PM

welp cya later says

hey scotty...these lyrics seem to fit your situation I hope you know, I hope you know That this has nothing to do with you It's personal, myself and I We've got some straightenin' out to do And I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket But I've got to get a move on with my life It's time to be a big girl now And big girls don't cry Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry The path that I'm walkin', I must go alone I must take the baby steps 'til I'm full grown, full grown Fairy tales don't always have a happy ending, do they? And I foresee the dark ahead if I stay I hope you know, I hope you know That this has nothing to do with you It's personal, myself and I We've got some straightenin' out to do
welp cya later's picture
Jul 04, 2010
12:43 PM

welp cya later says

hey register how bout you follow up on your stories. i mean sh!t you follow up on dumpster don at least once a month.

Jimmy Ego's picture
Jul 04, 2010
10:16 AM

Jimmy Ego says

I will agree about the posters, especially since they NEVER take them down.

big gulps huh's picture
Jul 04, 2010
09:55 AM

big gulps huh says

So if I try to ignore him I would have to keep my eyes closed all the time becuase of the lame posters all around town, sorry but I cant drive with my eyes closed
Jimmy Ego's picture
Jul 04, 2010
08:55 AM

Jimmy Ego says

Big Gulp--since when did everyone have to look and act exactly like you want them too? Scott is free to pretend he's a rock star, an you're free to ignore him. It couldn't be simpler.

hancrack me up's picture
Jul 04, 2010
03:14 AM

hancrack me up says

 Big gulping "duh". The epitome of "The Dud".  

Welcome to SinDUDski!!!
big gulps huh's picture
Jul 03, 2010
11:26 PM

big gulps huh says

Moderators have removed this comment because it contained personal attacks. Discussion Guidelines
Hull Rd.'s picture
Jul 04, 2010
05:38 AM

Hull Rd. says

It's all about the money. Look at the old All Niters for example. Everybody made enough money to retire.

Hull Rd.
Jimmy Ego's picture
Jul 03, 2010
01:35 AM

Jimmy Ego says

It's not about the music they play, or how they dress, because most of the bands around here play the same stuff, and look somewhat the same. And that's what moron Bud Light drinking idiots seem to want. Then they complain that all the local bands play the same crap, yet they ignore musicians that try to do something different.

The reality? It's all about how so many people in this town (and maybe the whole country anymore) think that they are the most special person on the planet, and HATE it when someone else gets ANY attention at all. It's like how a 3 year old acts when mom and dad bring the new baby home. Creating a hate page is no different than throwing a big temper tantrum. Has it ever occurred to any of you idiots to SUPPORT some band who you think is GOOD or UNIQUE, rather that rag on a band that you think is lame? Of course not, because YOU still want to be the center of attention in YOUR special little world. You created this, so, live with it. This is what happens when you are too stupid to expand your horizons enough to realize that there are options, choices, and alternatives. So, keep dressing like a biker, drinking your Bud light, eating crappy wings, and requesting stupid songs from lame a$$ bands.

For every lame song you hear on the radio, there are 100 other songs being written and recorded that you could listen to instead, if you just take the time, and stop thinking that you have to listen to what everybody else does.

welp cya later's picture
Jul 02, 2010
04:44 PM

welp cya later says

O RLY

Jimmy Ego's picture
Jul 02, 2010
07:23 AM

Jimmy Ego says

I sure don't get it. I never understood why people went crazy over them, and now I don't understand why people have turned on them. Too many hillbilly genes floating around here for me...

columbus avenue's picture
Jul 01, 2010
11:14 PM

columbus avenue says

Hey Eggo.  You don't get it.

blindside's picture
Jul 01, 2010
12:15 PM

blindside says

Moderators have removed this comment because it contained profanity. Discussion Guidelines
Just Me 2010's picture
Jun 30, 2010
11:25 PM

Just Me 2010 says

 "to those who pop out to throw stones every so often"? Isn't that what you do constantly?  What exactly did the Underground do to you? Whatever your personal vendetta is, get over it. No one from there is trying to talk trash on the beanos, mostly because they DON'T CARE! Seriously Hancrack, GET A LIFE!

welp cya later's picture
Jun 30, 2010
08:44 PM

welp cya later says

Moderators have removed this comment because it contained libelous or defamatory statements. Discussion Guidelines
hancrack me up's picture
Jun 30, 2010
08:18 PM

hancrack me up says

It looks to me like most of the posters here have no clue. I exclaim to the fact they're either jealous or clueless, thinking all they play at are SinDUHski: Just to enlighten those who live under a rock & pop out to throw stones every so often, here's a few places/events the 'Beanoe have played (unlike the death rock Undergrime headache "bands": Jimmy's Buckets, Kalahari, Beer Barrel PIB, Pump, Bike Week, Cabana Jack's, the BoneYard, Cleveland, McCarthey's Ale House, Cleveland, Shifters, Ralley in the Alley, Cold Creek Fest, Shade Mylander Plaza, Harmon Field(benefit show), Tailgators, Fremont, even Miller Drive In. So to the fat, lazy, one dimensional broke dead beats who criticize this band so much, they're much more of a class act than your hard core "original" grime metal that no one knows or will dance to. Oh, and "Blind as a bat", they don't play "Crazy &^tch" at events where children are present...and "Disco Stick" is called "Love Game" by Lady Gaga & it is called D-A-N-C-E M-U-S-I-C" and can be found on any Top 40 radio station (oh, but I forgot, we don't like "popular" here.
Welcome to SinDUDski!!!
SMH-FML's picture
Jun 30, 2010
07:53 PM

SMH-FML says

The cocobeano's should be opening their performances with a cover of Justin Timberlake's "Cry me a River"  :)

*** Legal Disclaimer*** The above statement was an expression of my sarcastic humor and not an attempt to "defame" the "band" in any way, shape, or form. 

Jimmy Ego's picture
Jun 30, 2010
07:42 AM

Jimmy Ego says

The thing I haven't understood all along is that, myself, I don't give the Cocobeanos much thought at all. So why has someone gone to this incredible trouble to make them look bad, when most likely, those same people think they look pretty bad on their own? Why? It's like some kind of local sickness, the same one that makes people go to chain restaurants instead of local restaurants. The same sickness that makes people ignore a new locally owned store, but then stop in for the "going out of business" sale, and tell the owners "it's too bad you didn't make it."

People of Sandusky and the surrounding areas: you are a bunch of freaks.

reader's picture
Jun 29, 2010
07:19 PM

reader says

Everyone has a right to say they like or dislike an entertainer, but its a little more than that when you alter photos or posters to suggest distasteful activity.

 

The posters will have their day in court to defend their actions.  I look forward to reading about the results in this law suit.

blindside's picture
Jun 29, 2010
01:14 PM

blindside says

Big Gulps....

Haha I have also heard that the band was claiming they wrote that song also....  And it did come up in a 5 year old Payless commercial... haha

 

The north coast's hardest working party band are on their final leg as a band.... I guess they are hurting bad.

blindside's picture
Jun 29, 2010
01:12 PM

blindside says

"The negative comments and pictures could have had an impact on concert turnout for the band, whose shows are often geared toward family and children, Kudlo said."

Yeah... Like tons of families and children are going to the Pump or the Beer Barrel on Saturday nights.  Also playing songs like Crazy B***h, Disco Stick, and many other popular songs full of sexual refrences are not acceptable.

The fact that they are attempting to sue is offensive to me.  Does that mean I'm allowed to sue the CoCo-Bean-Brains?

BoonDocks's picture
Jun 28, 2010
08:35 PM

BoonDocks says

thank goodness they will never be famous outside of sandusky. they couldn't take the criticism real musicians take on a daily basis anyway. maybe it's time to hang it up there guys lol.

tbma2008's picture
Jun 28, 2010
12:33 PM

tbma2008 says

 haha  wow,  Do these guys not realize they just made it a hundred times worse?  People are going to eat this up.  I agree.....quit crying.   I been doin music for awhile (some like it, some hate it, who cares).  I have the same thing going on with myspace.  a tbmgay page haha.  Been goin on for years, same thing, pics everything. Even gone as far as taking my copyrighted music and re recording over top of it.  Fact of the matter is....  if you cant take the heat, get the hell out of the kitchen!

big gulps huh's picture
Jun 27, 2010
10:28 PM

big gulps huh says

I like the one song they wrote that ended up on a payless commercial.....or wait they didn't really write that, they just pretended to....
hancrack me up's picture
Jun 27, 2010
07:38 PM

hancrack me up says

 Yes they do, and how would you know anyway, especially if you don't follow them, dick?

Welcome to SinDUDski!!!
welp cya later's picture
Jun 27, 2010
07:35 PM

welp cya later says

hancrack, you're a dumbass. they don't make 1,200 a gig to begin with. and they do not put their own twist on any songs accept for making them more wussy.


hancrack me up's picture
Jun 27, 2010
05:23 PM

hancrack me up says

Moderators have removed this comment because it contained personal attacks. Discussion Guidelines
Welcome to SinDUDski!!!
hlalova's picture
Jun 27, 2010
01:31 PM

hlalova says

I am unsure about that. I know my boyfriend likes to support local business and does shop there. He has a good relationship with the guys there. I can't say the same for other local bands.

I honestly don't know any of the guys from Cocobeanos anymore. But just because you play a lot of local bars doesn't make you famous or what have you. And besides, I am still trying to figure out why having a "hott" girlfriend has anything to do with it. lol

Some people crack me up. But this whole suing business should be dropped. It's pathetic.

welp cya later's picture
Jun 27, 2010
10:12 AM

welp cya later says

shes not hott at all. as a matter of fact shes also pretty annoying.

 

is it true that this is because musicians alley has lost a ton of business in recent years and are using this for money?

hlalova's picture
Jun 27, 2010
12:19 AM

hlalova says

I saw the Cocobeanos before they became popular. As in - they had all of their original members. Some of these comments are insane. Some guy is trashing the Underground where my boyfriend's band plays every once in a while. Even trashing some of the people that go there. That is unessecary. I know the people that go there. And yes - some of them are trash. But some of the bands there have talent. Within a year my boyfriend's band is signed with a label with a debut album due out next week. And they are huge in the Cleveland area. They set their sights high to make it. The Cocobeanos just stuck around Sandusky. And maybe that's what they wanted to do. So be it. So some people don't like them. Oh well. They are going to experience that. They appeal to the masses, but not everybody. And this court ordeal is a tad ridiculous, but hey, if they feel it's needed then go ahead. I do think it's silly and they should just let it go. It just seems a bit immature.

I am almost willing to bet that some of them teased others back in high school or what have you, who knows. It could be karma. They could have wronged someone. It doesn't mean that group is right, but maybe they should consider their actions towards others more carefully. You never know what someone can do to you if you piss them off.  And they must have ticked someone off. Or who knows. It truthfully could have been in good natured fun. Guys are weird like that.

So sorry guys, not a big fan of the Cocobeanos. And the lawsuit is stupid. I would be shocked if it actually made it to court. And saying how someone's girlfriend is "hott" doesn't mean anything. Hooray for that guy. That doesn't mean he's a hot shot or he's happy. Duh. Some people really need to get their priorities straight. Having a hott girlfriend and a mediocre music career doesn't mean you've reached the big leagues.....

NigelHolmes's picture
Jun 26, 2010
02:32 PM

NigelHolmes says

I don't get this, wouldn't the coco beano's be considered public figures? They have a band and it's being made fun of. I've seen facebook groups hating on bands, sports teams, and comedians. Way To Go, coco beanos you got haters. YOU MADE IT!

Hell I saw a group called, "I Can't believe I'm still a cleveland browns fan." Will the Browns sue that guy?

Jimmy Ego's picture
Jun 25, 2010
07:12 AM

Jimmy Ego says

Columbus Ave:  How would you suggest that they dress? What music should they play? What's wrong with garage bands? Why do you care what they do?

columbus avenue's picture
Jun 24, 2010
11:44 PM

columbus avenue says

Check out the current Facebook page for Cocobeanos.  LOL! 

You guys REALLY need to upgrade and update your look and musicianship! 

The bleached blonde hair, the scarves and the torn jeans?  Pretty soon you are going to wind up renaming yourselves as the Kokodorfers with all that fluff, make up and jewelry!  LOL!  The '90s are done! 

I have never seen you guys on "America's Got Talent"!  As I gaze into the crystal ball, I see a GARAGE in your future!  Get with the program.

echoforte2's picture
Jun 24, 2010
08:58 AM

echoforte2 says

I wonder if Facebook will catch any flack for taking down pages at other peoples' request.  Was there any kind of reprimand issued to the accused parties by Facebook?

columbus avenue's picture
Jun 23, 2010
08:58 AM

columbus avenue says

No matter what they are still a "local" bunch of garage players who are doomed to Sandusky and the "festivals" with their dated look and tired riffs.  Coco BORE-o!

welp cya later's picture
Jun 22, 2010
11:04 PM

welp cya later says

thats what i heard

big gulps huh's picture
Jun 22, 2010
09:08 PM

big gulps huh says

 did Stan get thrown in a dumpster?

SamAdams's picture
Jun 22, 2010
06:25 PM

SamAdams says

joyful one: Free speech includes speech with which you -- or anybody else -- disagrees. How dare you utilize a free speech-type forum to suggest that people don't have the right to express an opinion in public? And please, before you go all self-righteous on anybody again, learn the difference between expression and slander. Saying somebody is a sexual predator when it isn't true is a misrepresentation of the facts and could get you in trouble. Saying you don't like a band is nothing more or less than saying you don't like a band. Let me just say that I'm not real impressed with YOU right now. Does that mean you're going to file suit against me and anybody who thinks like I do? Or against the Register for letting people post opinions that don't jibe with yours?

docjuandon: When you're a public figure, satire is an accepted form of free speech. Because the CoCoBeanOs are public figures, satirizing their poster is entirely fair game.

I don't have anything against the CoCoBeanOs. While I won't go out of my way to see them, I've enjoyed them on those occasions they've been featured at one event or another. But the idea of a lawsuit filed against people who are publicly expressing an opinion about public figures is really leaving a bad taste in my mouth. Who CARES if some people don't like you? There are plenty of people who do.

Ooooh, PLEASE don't sue because I consider your frivolous lawsuit to be, well, frivolous!

Samantha Adams Freedom's the answer. Government's the problem.
welp cya later's picture
Jun 22, 2010
03:54 PM

welp cya later says

I wouldn't  be surprised

welp cya later's picture
Jun 22, 2010
03:53 PM

welp cya later says

real professional and good for business....

blindside's picture
Jun 22, 2010
03:49 PM

blindside says

Moderators have removed this comment because it contained libelous or defamatory statements. Discussion Guidelines
welp cya later's picture
Jun 22, 2010
03:46 PM

welp cya later says

what the duck was wrong with my comment. it was a true statement that dozens of people at bike week witnessed. man sandusky register you guys fn blow.

blindside's picture
Jun 22, 2010
02:08 PM

blindside says

Moderators have removed this comment because it contained libelous or defamatory statements. Discussion Guidelines


Top Jobs

 

Top Autos

 

Top Homes

 

Top Rentals

 

Top Boats + RVs

 

Auctions

Sold to the highest bidder! Sell your items now in the Sandusky Register BooCoo Auctions site.