Man wins libel over false Facebook site

LONDON, July 24 (UPI) -- A British businessman has won nearly $45,000 in a libel case against a former friend who posted a fake profile of him on the Web site Facebook.

Matthew Firsht sued freelance cameraman and old school friend Grant Raphael for allegedly creating a false Facebook profile entitled "Has Mathew Firsht lied to you?" The Web site claimed Firsht was "looking for whatever I can get" in a relationship. It included personal information about Firsht, including his birthday, relationship status and private activities, as well as making false statements about his sexual orientation and political views, The Times of London reported Thursday.

Firsht, who runs an Internet business which books live audiences for TV shows, also claimed the Facebook site damaged him by making allegations he avoided paying debts and he and his company were not to be trusted financially.

A judge agreed, saying because Firsht's company provided audiences for popular shows such as Big Brother, The X Factor and Top Gear, his credibility and reputation were very important to him.