Local woman sues after Facebook romance fails

LIVONIA (AP) -- They met over Mafia Wars, but now the real fighting has begun. A suburban Detroit woman is suing a Washington state man for more than $8,000 in damages after a romance sparked over Facebook failed. Cheryl Gray, 50, of Livonia filed the civil lawsuit in May against 35-year-old Wylie Iwan of Kennewick, Wash., claiming misrepresentation, defamation of character and other charges. Gray is seeking repayment for gifts she bought during their six-month relationship, including a digital camera and Seattle Mariners' home opener tickets. She said Iwan has repaid $300. The single mother said they met playing Mafia Wars, and that the friendship became romantic. For months they spent as many as six hours a day communicating online. Gray told WXYZ-TV for a recent story that she bought a plane ticket to visit him but a week before the planned trip he sent a message saying he had met someone else. She said she felt humiliated by disparaging comments he made about her on Facebook. Iwan told the Tri-City Herald of Kennewick for a recent story that it's a "completely frivolous lawsuit." "She's making it all out to be like I'm some kind of monster. I'm not," Iwan said. "It was an online relationship. ... I did nothing wrong." Iwan's attorney, Julian Poota, told The Associated Press he's filed a motion to dismiss the case but declined further comment. An Aug. 1 hearing is scheduled in Livonia's district court. Published: Fri, Jul 15, 2011