Indeed, you’re not alone Jason Torchinsky of Jalopnik fame; Mr Youabian Puma err…Dr Youabian Kambiz also sent Carscoops the same exact letter threatening to sue us for “defaming” his creation by calling it ludicrous and huge and for implying it was ugly. Silly me; I wonder how the hell we ever got that impression…
Personally, I was waiting to see if the angry doctor would serve me a defamation suit or if this has something to do with the release of two new videos of the car just two weeks ago, before I shared the story. But what the heck, there’s no point in holding back since he’s on a roll now throwing threats left and right towards anyone who dared to voice an opinion on his car.
Here’s what he said in the email sent to Carscoops on Wednesday:
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Subject = Notice of Intended Legal Action
Message = To whom it may concern,
I am writing to inform you of intended legal action against you and your company.
The following article posted by you and your company is in legal violation:
Article Name:
“Larger Than Life Youabian Puma Is Ludicrous Whichever Way You See It ”
Written By:
Carscoop Carscoop
Date posted:
November 20, 2013
Article posted at:
http://www.carscoops.com/2013/11/larger-than-life-youabian-puma-is.html
Your article/webpage contains numerous incorrect facts, as well as numerous derogatory remarks about my personal character and my company and its products. Your article and postings violate many laws as well as leading to defamation of character against me personally and against my company and its products.
You are hereby given notice to immediately remove the article, webpage, all associated comments, links, images, and posts. Should you fail to comply within seven days as of the date of this letter, legal proceedings will begin against you personally, your company, and the hosting company displaying your article.
Please reply once you have removed the article/webpage.
Sincerely,
Dr.Kambiz Youabian
CEO/Owner Youabian Puma Automotibles
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As you would expect, my response also included a little something about the First Amendment and the freedom of expressing one’s opinion, especially about a product that was on display in public at last year’s LA Auto Show.
We exchanged a few more emails, where I asked him where exactly did he see “a defamation of character”, but he never answered the question. Of course, his request to remove the article was promptly denied – you can read it for yourself here.
Mr. Youabian also advised me to “consult with an attorney”. I told him to…no, no, well, actually, what you’re thinking now did cross my mind, but in writing, I advised him do the same in regards to seeking advise from a lawyer.
If any of you are in the industry and received the same or similar threats from Mr. Youabian, please do share your story.