08/31/2013    

IN THE COURTS

NY Podiatrist Sues Yelp Claiming the Website Posted Phony Reviews

A Park Avenue podiatrist is suing the online reviewer Yelp, claiming the company posted a phony, negative critique of her practice so she would buy ads from them. Dr. Johanna Youner, who uses technologies like laser and Botox to fix foot problems, is suing over the posting in January 2013 by an individual named "Jennifer B." calling her experience "horrible." The woman added, "She needs to go back to school and relearn everything before she treats her patients."

Dr. Johanna Youner

Youner claims positive reviews were removed from her webpage on Yelp, highlighting the posting by Jennifer B. and another unhappy patient, leaving the podiatrist with a measly two out of five stars. But the doctor insists "Jennifer B” is not a patient.

Source: Aaron Feis and Julia Marsh,  NY Post [8/29/13]