Case 1:18-cv-01011-RMC Document 42 Filed 08/09/19 Page 15 of 19
917 (D.C. 2008) (finding defendants jointly and severally liable for attorneys’ fees under the
DCHRA because the defendants’ liability “arose out of a common nucleus of facts and issues”).
This Court concludes that under D.C. law, and the record here, Messrs. Anglin
and Ade and Moonbase Holdings are jointly and severally liable for compensatory damages to
Ms. Dumpson because their liability arose from the troll storm initiated by Mr. Anglin and
Moonbase and joined by Mr. Ade and their intentional collective actions combined to cause Ms.
Dumpson’s injuries. Ms. Dumpson has submitted detailed affidavits and exhibits explaining her
pain and suffering and the resulting psychiatric treatment. See Dumpson Decl. ¶¶ 23-33; Mintz
Decl. and Exhibits. The Court finds that Ms. Dumpson has established a concreate loss of
$844.76 for the cost of therapy and medication and $584.52 for the cost of Uber to travel to
school and her internship which fear caused her to need after the troll storm.
Ms. Dumpson also requests $100,000 for pain and suffering. Since the incident,
Ms. Dumpson has experienced “flashbacks, nightmares, depression, anxiety, and disordered
eating, and engaged in avoidance behavior.” Am. Compl. ¶ 122. She requires regular therapy
and has been diagnosed with PTSD. Id. ¶ 124. Ms. Dumpson’s emotional distress was caused
by Mr. Anglin and Moonbase Holdings’ article, which led to the troll storm in which Mr. Ade
participated. Their combined actions caused Ms. Dumpson’s emotional distress. The Court
finds Messrs. Ade and Anglin and Moonbase Holdings jointly and severally liable for
$101,429.28 in compensatory damages.
2. Punitive Damages
“[P]unitive damages are available in all discrimination cases under the DCHRA,
‘subject only to the general principles governing any award of punitive damages.’” Daka, Inc. v.
Breiner, 711 A.2d 86, 98 (D.C. 1998) (quoting Arthur Young & Co. v. Sutherland, 631 A.2d 354,
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