It’s hard to say what part of the case inspired quite the degree of outrage that it did. Like a good novel or movie, it was probably the layers and numerous appeals it offered to the public. Almost as soon as the papers were filed the internet was abuzz with talk about the spoiled daughter who needed to get over herself. The full legal authority of Rome’s father, desperate to appease his almost freakishly tall sobbing daughter, was leveled at the small local eatery. Facepage’s attorneys filed suit for battery, intentional infliction of emotional damage, and slander amongst many other charges. Their enthusiasm, although certainly paid for, proved to be so excessive that they may have pushed things a bit too far. Comparing Rome to the civil rights movement and basing their charges on ‘Brown v. Board of Education’ proved to be more damaging than helpful. At one press release an attorney explained, “Those who believe someone can be denied service just because of their Yankee heritage are no different than those who would deny people service because of the color of their skin.” It did not quite have the intended effect. Bloggers bemoaned a society whose celebrities had the audacity to compare themselves to the great freedom fighters of the past. There was even an edge of class warfare to the case, a chance to remind the wealthy that there were certain topics they were better off keeping their mouths shut about. But most of all, it was the chance to take a stab at someone famous. Photoshops of Rome’s head in Civil Rights photos appeared (particularly the ones with hoses). The website, facepage, became overwhelmed with mocking images and groups protesting the website’s support of Rome. And all the while, Rome grew taller.
