Comments for Former RIAA Defendant Accuses the RIAA of Fraud and Racketeering

Former RIAA Defendant Accuses the RIAA of Fraud and Racketeering

2007-06-27T20:49:13Z

Tanya Andersen is biting back. Constant readers will remember Tanya from the story "The RIAA Wants To Interrogate Your 10 Year-Old". Tanya is the 42 year-old mother who the RIAA accused of downloading "gangster rap" on kazaa. The case was dismissed, but now Tanya is fighting back with her own lawsuit. She's suing the RIAA for direct and punitive damages.

In addition to suing the RIAA, Andersen is targeting Atlantic Recording, Priority Records, Capital Records, UMG Recordings and BMG Music. She is also naming Media Sentry and RIAA's Settlement Support Center as defendants. Andersen's lawyers are hitting the defendants with the full power of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and federal and state RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Act), something that is often used against mafia and street gang members.

Former RIAA defendant wants payback [TG Daily via BoingBoing]
(Photo: imelda)

Comment from bluemonq on 2007-06-28

2007-06-28T23:38:26Z

@Kenposan: actually, a bigger deal is, if the RIAA were to go up against the Bush family, they might just get dismantled. Hence the dream scenario of RIAA vs. Bush.

Comment from nequam on 2007-06-28

2007-06-28T06:28:20Z

oops -- listen to.

Comment from nequam on 2007-06-28

2007-06-28T06:27:35Z

One internet radio station I listed to runs an ad comparing the RIAA to the mafia. How appropriate.

Comment from Bay State Darren on 2007-06-28

2007-06-28T06:02:49Z

Personally, I seriously think there should be a Congressional inquiry and hearings into the RIAA's practices. Those are great at shedding light on shady operations

Comment from doctor_cos wants you to remain calm on 2007-06-27

2007-06-28T04:17:27Z

the RIAA is NOT interested in making sure that the artists are renumerated. The RIAA is interested in making sure that there continues to be the RIAA. And you'ses lucky I ain't in da mafia.

Comment from azntg on 2007-06-27

2007-06-28T03:03:00Z

I really hope that this lawsuit sticks. Seriously, way too many lawsuits against the RIAA falters or goes into settlement.

While I understand that people still have to make money for their work, even if they are well overpaid, the RIAA has been allowed to act as virtual gangsters and thugs for far too long.

Comment from nequam on 2007-06-27

2007-06-28T02:21:02Z

This is gonna be fun to follow! BTW, where is the "honey pot" video??

Comment from Youthier on 2007-06-27

2007-06-28T02:20:24Z

@MalichiDemonos: Eh, I can't say I'm SUPPORTING the RIAA but it is good to see they're equal opportunity douchebags.

Comment from kenposan on 2007-06-27

2007-06-28T01:38:43Z

The Bush twins: Funny how we hate the RIAA until they are going after someone rich, then we are all like, "hell yes".

But I hear what you are saying. It will be interesting to see what the RIAA does. If they fail to prosecute, they open the door of "you didn't sue them so why are you suing me?"

Comment from MalichiDemonos on 2007-06-27

2007-06-28T00:56:37Z

If you think thats good check this out...
[www.miamiherald.com]
Bush twins vs RIAA

Battle to the death!!!
I'm actually supporting the RIAA on this one. If thoses laws apply to us they should apply to them too.

Comment from Papa Midnight on 2007-06-27

2007-06-27T23:11:15Z

Any chance of this becomming a Class-Action?

Comment from speedwell, avatar of snark on 2007-06-27

2007-06-27T22:47:41Z

It says "patriotic." Not sure I exactly agree, but there you go.

Comment from QuirkyRachel on 2007-06-27

2007-06-27T22:38:09Z

Anyone know if there's an address to send 'hang in there' cards?

Comment from superlayne on 2007-06-27

2007-06-27T22:36:36Z

What does the image say? File sharing is _______?
I can see the second part just fine...

Comment from flyover on 2007-06-27

2007-06-27T22:31:12Z

AWESOME

Comment from SaveMeJeebus on 2007-06-27

2007-06-27T22:02:12Z

Good ol' RICO

Comment from IC18 on 2007-06-27

2007-06-27T21:34:48Z

"RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Act), something that is often used against mafia and street gang members."

Comparing the RIAA to the mafia and gangs is an insult to all mafia and gang members. The RIAA is the dirty gum under my shoe.

gongrats to the mom standing up to them.

Comment from mopar_man on 2007-06-27

2007-06-27T21:04:32Z

This was reported on Gizmodo as well. hagrun suggested she set up a place where people can donate to her legal funds. I think it's a great idea.

Comment from tamushrek on 2007-06-27

2007-06-27T21:02:26Z

If there is one thing I have learned from living with my mother, it is definitely not to make a mom mad. Congrats on someone sticking it back to them!

Comment from Jaysyn was banned for: http://consumerist.com/5032912/the-subprime-meltdown-will-be-nothing-compared-to-the-prime-meltdown#c7042646 on 2007-06-27

2007-06-27T20:56:07Z

I hope she smokes their asses, because if she does, that will open the gates for many, many similar lawsuits.

Comment from bluemeep on 2007-06-27

2007-06-27T20:54:55Z

Attagirl!

Now let's just hope this goes all the way through and they don't wind up settling.

Comment from Thrust on 2007-06-27

2007-06-27T20:54:12Z

Somewhere on FARK a "Hero" tag is being prepared...