BENTONVILLE — A Rogers man claims he was defamed by a woman’s Facebook posting accusing him of rape.
Springdale attorney Timothy Penhallegon filed a lawsuit Monday in Benton County Circuit Court on behalf of Ernest Pinson against Darnell Rivet of Centerton.
The suit claims Rivet published to several people on Facebook sometime in May or June that Pinson raped her in the past and also claimed Pinson had sexual contact with other family members.
Pinson was told in June about Rivet’s statements and he should investigate the matter and other claims made by Rivet, according to the suit.
The suit claims Pinson’s wife, Rita, and other family members also learned of Rivet’s allegations through a former relative.
Pinson’s suit states the rape allegation made by Rivet are false.
The publication of the allegation has damaged Pinson’s relationship with his wife and other family members, according to the lawsuit.
A lawsuit represents one side of a legal argument.
The case is assigned to Circuit Judge John Scott.