Case 1:18-cv-01011-RMC Document 42 Filed 08/09/19 Page 16 of 19 372 (D.C. 1993)) (emphasis omitted). The purpose of punitive damages is to punish bad acts and deter repetition. See BMW of N. Am., Inc. v. Gore, 517 U.S. 559, 567 (1996). Courts may award punitive damages only when the defendant acted with an “evil motive or actual malice.” Daka, 711 A.2d at 98 (citation and quotation marks omitted). An evil motive “goes beyond a mere intention to be annoying or unpleasant.” Id. (citing Vassiliades v. Garfinckel’s, Brooks Brothers, Miller & Rhoades, Inc., 492 A.2d 580, 593 (D.C. 1985) (stating that punitive damages are intended to punish “outrageous conduct which is malicious, wanton, reckless, or in willful disregard for another’s rights”)). “Direct evidence of malicious intent is not required; malice and wrongful motive may be inferred from the acts of a party and circumstantial evidence.” Vassiliades, 492 A.2d at 593. Having found above that the actions of Messrs Anglin and Ade and Moonbase Holdings were outrageous and resulted in liability for intentional infliction of emotional distress, the Court also finds the behavior was sufficiently wanton and willful to justify punitive damages. Ms. Dumpson requests $1,500,000 in punitive damages, but the Court finds that amount is excessive and will instead award $500,000, which is more in line with other courts in this jurisdiction and reflective of the outrageous conduct here. See, e.g., Doe v. De Amigos, No. 111755, 2014 WL 12785325, at *18 (D.D.C. June 10, 2014), report and recommendation adopted, 2014 WL 2937781 (D.D.C. July 1, 2014) (awarding plaintiff $300,000 in punitive damages despite a request for $2,000,000 in a case alleging intentional infliction of emotional distress). 16