KANSAS CITY, Kan. — An Olathe woman was awarded $1 million Friday in federal court for a lawsuit she filed claiming damages after DJ’s on KC radio station 96.5 The Buzz identified her as a porn star live on-air.
This all started back in 2012. According to court documents, the DJ’s were putting together a list of local porn stars. They asked viewers to text in names of any they knew in Kansas City. One man texted in: Ashley Patton– Olathe South– 2007.
The DJ’s read that on air then Googled Ashley Patton. Pornographic images did appear, but of a different woman named Ashley Payton.
Patton has no connection to the pornography industry, but her name was still added to a list of local porn stars on the radio station’s website. Patton says she was humiliated. The lawsuit claims Patton had trouble sleeping and was forced to begin taking anxiety medication.
A federal jury awarded her $250,000 in actual damages and $750,000 in punitive damages.
“I am actually really surprised on the number they came to. I think it will hold other stations accountable for what they do and think twice about things they put on the air,” Patton said outside court.
The Buzz has not made a formal statement, but did tweet out “wow” after the jury made their decision.
Shortly after, the station sent out a tweet reading #SupportAfentra and #SupportDannyBoi, the two DJ’s involved. The money has to be paid to Patton within 45 days and The Buzz cannot appeal.