1 00:00:06,633 --> 00:00:08,700 They came in, they booked 2 00:00:08,767 --> 00:00:10,900 200 people, no food. 3 00:00:10,967 --> 00:00:13,200 I did feel bad. 4 00:00:13,266 --> 00:00:15,967 I can't believe that you haven't been sued before now. 5 00:00:16,033 --> 00:00:18,233 I cannot imagine throwing a party, 6 00:00:18,300 --> 00:00:19,667 much less having a wedding, 7 00:00:19,734 --> 00:00:21,400 and not having my food show up. 8 00:00:22,533 --> 00:00:24,166 Did the bartender show up, I hope? 9 00:00:24,233 --> 00:00:25,800 - Yes, he did. - [laughs] 10 00:00:25,867 --> 00:00:28,100 [announcer] Now, on Tribunal Justice. 11 00:00:28,166 --> 00:00:31,533 ["Ride of the Valkyries" plays] 12 00:00:49,533 --> 00:00:50,967 [announcer] Today's case was filed 13 00:00:51,033 --> 00:00:52,500 in Houston, Texas. 14 00:00:53,133 --> 00:00:55,567 Your Honor, this is case number 2082 on the calendar 15 00:00:55,633 --> 00:00:59,834 in the matter of Thomas and Skillern-Thomas versus Dean. 16 00:01:00,367 --> 00:01:03,133 Parties have been sworn in. You may be seated. 17 00:01:03,200 --> 00:01:04,867 - Thank you, Byrd. - Have a seat. Have a seat. 18 00:01:05,432 --> 00:01:09,133 Oh, this case, this case actually gives me anxiety 19 00:01:09,900 --> 00:01:11,734 because of what happened. 20 00:01:12,000 --> 00:01:15,100 Mr. Thomas and Ms. Skillern-Thomas, 21 00:01:15,166 --> 00:01:16,667 you are newlyweds. 22 00:01:16,734 --> 00:01:17,734 - Yes, ma'am. - We are. 23 00:01:17,800 --> 00:01:19,834 [Judge Acker] You hired the defendant to cater your wedding. 24 00:01:19,900 --> 00:01:21,533 - Yes, ma'am. - [Judge Acker] Your wedding took place 25 00:01:21,600 --> 00:01:23,233 on November 2nd. 26 00:01:23,300 --> 00:01:25,867 On November 2nd, you had no food 27 00:01:25,934 --> 00:01:27,667 because the defendant didn't show up. 28 00:01:27,734 --> 00:01:30,400 She thought the wedding date was November 3rd, 29 00:01:30,467 --> 00:01:32,667 so you're now suing her for the fees you paid her, 30 00:01:32,734 --> 00:01:35,500 for the money you spent on china rentals. 31 00:01:35,567 --> 00:01:37,834 And also, as I understand, that there was an additional fee 32 00:01:37,900 --> 00:01:39,333 you had to pay your wedding venue 33 00:01:39,400 --> 00:01:41,967 - because she was an outside vendor. - Correct. 34 00:01:42,033 --> 00:01:43,600 So, the total amount of your claim 35 00:01:43,667 --> 00:01:45,700 is $6,700 and change. 36 00:01:45,767 --> 00:01:48,700 Ms. Dean, you don't dispute that you didn't show up, 37 00:01:48,767 --> 00:01:51,633 but you maintain that you had documentation 38 00:01:51,700 --> 00:01:53,333 that you'd sent to these plaintiffs 39 00:01:53,400 --> 00:01:56,500 that indicated that the wedding was supposed to be on November 3rd 40 00:01:56,567 --> 00:02:00,800 and that it's their fault that they didn't properly review that documentation. 41 00:02:00,867 --> 00:02:02,867 I'll further point out that in your answer, 42 00:02:02,934 --> 00:02:04,834 you say that you were willing at one point 43 00:02:04,900 --> 00:02:07,166 to make some accommodation to them 44 00:02:07,233 --> 00:02:09,265 but then things got a little heated. 45 00:02:09,333 --> 00:02:12,266 Plaintiff said some things about you on social media, 46 00:02:12,333 --> 00:02:14,000 you maintain that you lost some business 47 00:02:14,066 --> 00:02:17,333 as a consequence, and now, you're like, "I owe them nothing." 48 00:02:17,900 --> 00:02:20,100 Well, kinda. 49 00:02:20,166 --> 00:02:23,667 - Tell me what I messed up. - So, the social media incident happened 50 00:02:23,734 --> 00:02:27,033 after I told them that I wanted to take legal matters. 51 00:02:27,567 --> 00:02:31,200 Got you. That's actually a very, very important clarification. 52 00:02:31,266 --> 00:02:33,834 Not necessarily a clarification that benefits you 53 00:02:33,900 --> 00:02:36,300 but it tells me right now that you're very, very honest. 54 00:02:36,367 --> 00:02:37,966 - Uh-hmm. - I'm gonna note that 55 00:02:38,033 --> 00:02:39,500 we have two witnesses here. 56 00:02:39,567 --> 00:02:42,900 - Plaintiffs' witness is your mother, sir? - Yes, ma'am. 57 00:02:42,966 --> 00:02:44,966 And she was also your wedding coordinator. 58 00:02:45,033 --> 00:02:47,233 - Defendant's witness is your mother... - Yes, ma'am. 59 00:02:47,300 --> 00:02:48,800 [Judge Acker] ... who is, according to the papers, 60 00:02:48,867 --> 00:02:52,333 was around and present during a lot of what transpired here. 61 00:02:52,834 --> 00:02:55,367 So, this is a horrible situation. 62 00:02:55,433 --> 00:02:58,266 I mean, I cannot imagine throwing a party, 63 00:02:58,333 --> 00:02:59,966 much less having a wedding, 64 00:03:00,100 --> 00:03:01,967 and not having my food how up. 65 00:03:02,033 --> 00:03:03,200 But let's start at the good part. 66 00:03:03,266 --> 00:03:04,834 Can we see their wedding pictures? 67 00:03:05,133 --> 00:03:06,900 This is a beautiful couple. 68 00:03:06,967 --> 00:03:09,066 You guys made it through this. 69 00:03:09,133 --> 00:03:10,800 Everything is downhill from here. 70 00:03:10,867 --> 00:03:12,266 It's only gonna get better. 71 00:03:12,333 --> 00:03:15,800 What a beautiful, beautiful ceremony. 72 00:03:15,867 --> 00:03:17,667 Except for the fact that you had no food. 73 00:03:18,200 --> 00:03:20,934 So, November 2nd, you show up 74 00:03:21,233 --> 00:03:24,266 and when do you find out that the caterer is not there? 75 00:03:24,333 --> 00:03:26,734 After we--the wedding party took pictures, 76 00:03:26,800 --> 00:03:28,834 the call coordinator, she came up to us, she was like, 77 00:03:28,900 --> 00:03:31,100 "Y'all caterer not here." So ... 78 00:03:31,734 --> 00:03:35,466 ... At this time, I've seen her face, I'm like, "Uh-oh. This finna be trouble." 79 00:03:35,533 --> 00:03:38,333 I read in the papers that you had to send people out 80 00:03:38,400 --> 00:03:42,066 - for pizza and chicken? - Well, that was a surprise to us. 81 00:03:42,133 --> 00:03:44,367 Um, we found out 82 00:03:44,433 --> 00:03:47,567 as we were getting ready to take the pictures. 83 00:03:47,633 --> 00:03:50,133 So, when we found out, 84 00:03:50,200 --> 00:03:53,166 I mean, just utter disbelief, 85 00:03:53,233 --> 00:03:55,867 just devastation 86 00:03:55,934 --> 00:03:59,133 of having to take pictures and keeping it together. 87 00:03:59,200 --> 00:04:00,567 And not being certain 88 00:04:00,633 --> 00:04:02,600 - what your guests are going to eat. - [Melissa] Right. 89 00:04:02,667 --> 00:04:07,133 Let me talk to your wedding coordinator/mom/mother-in-law. 90 00:04:07,200 --> 00:04:08,967 So, ma'am, 91 00:04:09,033 --> 00:04:12,300 I am going to, right out of the box, 92 00:04:12,367 --> 00:04:15,633 point a little bit of a finger at you 'cause I've had a wedding, 93 00:04:15,700 --> 00:04:17,300 I had a wedding coordinator, 94 00:04:17,367 --> 00:04:19,600 and the wedding coordinator is supposed to be on top of it. 95 00:04:19,667 --> 00:04:21,700 - What happened? - Okay. 96 00:04:22,233 --> 00:04:25,467 I was on top of it because I've talked with Shelby that morning-- 97 00:04:25,533 --> 00:04:28,166 well, that afternoon, because we had to put the china-- 98 00:04:28,233 --> 00:04:30,367 I was asking, "Do you just want me to go ahead and put the goblets 99 00:04:30,433 --> 00:04:32,500 on the tables and the silverware?" 100 00:04:32,567 --> 00:04:34,767 And she said yeah because they want it already on there. 101 00:04:34,834 --> 00:04:36,834 - But this is on November 2nd? - Yes, ma'am. 102 00:04:36,900 --> 00:04:39,367 So, I'm talking about October 30th, 103 00:04:39,433 --> 00:04:40,667 - October 29th. - [Tonya] That's gonna be the on... 104 00:04:40,734 --> 00:04:43,300 I mean, during that week before the wedding, 105 00:04:43,367 --> 00:04:46,533 one would expect that there would be numerous communications, 106 00:04:46,600 --> 00:04:48,700 you know, the timing, the staging, 107 00:04:48,767 --> 00:04:51,800 what time are your people getting here, I saw none of that. 108 00:04:52,300 --> 00:04:55,734 I sent her the timeframe with the agenda, 109 00:04:55,800 --> 00:04:57,767 with the reception timeframe on it. 110 00:04:57,834 --> 00:05:00,367 And it had on there the November the 2nd. 111 00:05:00,433 --> 00:05:02,266 - Had you worked with her before? - [Tonya] Yes. 112 00:05:02,333 --> 00:05:03,900 How did you meet her initially? 113 00:05:03,967 --> 00:05:05,500 I seen her on Facebook 114 00:05:05,567 --> 00:05:08,000 and I seen the work that she done, 115 00:05:08,066 --> 00:05:09,767 like, in different places that she does. 116 00:05:09,834 --> 00:05:13,200 And plus, she fixed food for me for brunches and stuff. 117 00:05:13,266 --> 00:05:15,800 [Judge Acker] So, you had a pre-existing relationship with her. 118 00:05:15,867 --> 00:05:20,734 And I reviewed a lot of your customer and client reviews, 119 00:05:20,800 --> 00:05:23,600 Ms. Dean, so, you know, people loved you. 120 00:05:23,667 --> 00:05:27,967 I mean, you know, a lot of your online reviews were really favorable. 121 00:05:28,033 --> 00:05:29,767 But I have to ask you this, 122 00:05:29,834 --> 00:05:32,734 when did you start getting ready for this event? 123 00:05:32,800 --> 00:05:35,100 So, we plan months ahead 124 00:05:35,166 --> 00:05:37,100 as far as, like, going to the stores 125 00:05:37,166 --> 00:05:40,233 to get flowers and things like that. 126 00:05:40,300 --> 00:05:41,900 Now, as far as the food, 127 00:05:41,967 --> 00:05:44,800 I normally buy my food maybe about, 128 00:05:44,867 --> 00:05:46,633 I'll say, between two days 129 00:05:46,700 --> 00:05:48,967 and a day before just for the freshness. 130 00:05:49,734 --> 00:05:52,400 And then, we normally would prep that night. 131 00:05:52,467 --> 00:05:55,633 I'm concerned about how there could be 132 00:05:55,700 --> 00:05:59,033 such a lapse in communication 133 00:05:59,100 --> 00:06:00,433 about a wedding date. 134 00:06:00,500 --> 00:06:03,300 Can we put up exhibit 11? 135 00:06:03,600 --> 00:06:07,133 It's this document that you're relying on to support your position 136 00:06:07,200 --> 00:06:09,300 that everybody should've known it was November 3rd. 137 00:06:09,800 --> 00:06:11,200 And the date of that invoice says 138 00:06:11,266 --> 00:06:12,533 - November 3rd. - [Demarcus] Correct. 139 00:06:12,600 --> 00:06:14,000 [Judge Acker] Why would anybody look at this 140 00:06:14,300 --> 00:06:16,100 and assume that November 3rd is the wedding date 141 00:06:16,166 --> 00:06:18,433 as opposed to simply the invoice the date? 142 00:06:18,500 --> 00:06:21,800 So, I mean, I've never had issues in the past with clients 143 00:06:21,867 --> 00:06:22,867 - regarding the invoice. - [Judge Acker] Doesn't matter, 144 00:06:22,934 --> 00:06:24,867 - you have a big one now. - [Shelby] Right. 145 00:06:24,934 --> 00:06:27,967 There's a text message from the plaintiff's witness 146 00:06:28,033 --> 00:06:29,734 confirming the wedding date. 147 00:06:29,800 --> 00:06:31,000 Can we put up exhibit seven? 148 00:06:32,533 --> 00:06:33,600 There we go. 149 00:06:33,667 --> 00:06:37,133 That text message from the future mother-in-law to the bride, 150 00:06:37,200 --> 00:06:39,100 wedding planner of this event. 151 00:06:39,166 --> 00:06:41,767 - She says it right there, November 2nd. - Right. But-- 152 00:06:41,834 --> 00:06:45,200 I take full responsibility, it was a fluke. It was a fluke. 153 00:06:45,266 --> 00:06:48,133 [Judge Acker] But you didn't take full responsibility or we wouldn't be here. 154 00:06:48,200 --> 00:06:51,133 And in fact, the plaintiffs have submitted other evidence 155 00:06:51,200 --> 00:06:54,066 and they gave us another version of this contract today. 156 00:06:54,133 --> 00:06:56,000 Can we put up the vendor contract? 157 00:06:56,066 --> 00:06:59,000 They submitted evidence that on September 18th, 158 00:06:59,066 --> 00:07:01,100 more than a month before the wedding, 159 00:07:01,166 --> 00:07:04,433 they sent you a copy of the vendor contract 160 00:07:04,500 --> 00:07:06,166 which very clearly has the date. 161 00:07:06,233 --> 00:07:08,567 [Shelby] They sent me the vendor contract 162 00:07:08,633 --> 00:07:10,934 the week of the wedding. Like, the-- 163 00:07:11,000 --> 00:07:12,767 like, on the 1st is what I'm saying. 164 00:07:12,834 --> 00:07:14,800 So, did you write back and say, 165 00:07:14,867 --> 00:07:18,667 "I don't have time because the wedding is the next day?" 166 00:07:18,734 --> 00:07:22,000 Honestly and truthfully, I really didn't pay attention to that date. 167 00:07:22,066 --> 00:07:24,100 [Judge Acker] You did not pay attention to the date on the contract? 168 00:07:24,166 --> 00:07:26,567 Just like how they didn't pay attention to the date on the invoice. 169 00:07:26,633 --> 00:07:29,633 And you didn't seem to pay attention to the communications 170 00:07:29,700 --> 00:07:31,500 - from the plaintiff's mother. - And then, it's--no, 171 00:07:31,567 --> 00:07:33,834 but as far as the plaintiff's mother, 172 00:07:33,900 --> 00:07:35,900 she was so busy trying to get us 173 00:07:35,967 --> 00:07:38,800 to do last-minute work for the wedding 174 00:07:38,867 --> 00:07:41,500 as far as, like--originally, they wanted the china 175 00:07:41,567 --> 00:07:43,933 but then when I gave them my price, they didn't want the china. 176 00:07:44,000 --> 00:07:45,332 So, they took the china off 177 00:07:45,400 --> 00:07:47,332 and then that was the--that was it. 178 00:07:47,400 --> 00:07:48,967 Days before the wedding, 179 00:07:49,033 --> 00:07:50,767 she wanted us to get the china. 180 00:07:50,834 --> 00:07:53,100 I told her, "I've already leased the china out." 181 00:07:53,166 --> 00:07:55,100 [Judge Acker] Ms. Dean, I'm gonna interrupt you 182 00:07:55,166 --> 00:07:57,800 because you spent a couple of months negotiating with each other. 183 00:07:57,867 --> 00:08:01,633 I think you were going to give them back a 40% refund 184 00:08:01,700 --> 00:08:05,700 and then you were gonna give them a credit that they could use to a year. 185 00:08:05,767 --> 00:08:07,834 You weren't happy with the resolution. 186 00:08:07,900 --> 00:08:09,600 Then things escalated 187 00:08:09,667 --> 00:08:12,967 because you, sir, then posted some things 188 00:08:13,033 --> 00:08:15,467 on social media where you really said a lot. 189 00:08:15,533 --> 00:08:17,867 Can we put up exhibit 13? 190 00:08:18,567 --> 00:08:21,433 "Don't use this old scamming ass lady. 191 00:08:21,500 --> 00:08:24,934 She promised to pay us our money back for being a no show at our wedding. 192 00:08:25,000 --> 00:08:27,567 Standby though. See you in court." 193 00:08:27,633 --> 00:08:29,400 This was a lot, don't you think? 194 00:08:29,467 --> 00:08:30,934 On the emails, we were going back and forth, 195 00:08:31,000 --> 00:08:33,633 she like, "Well, I'll start paying you, I'll start in January 1st." 196 00:08:33,700 --> 00:08:34,933 - So, I emailed to... - [Judge Acker] No, I saw that. 197 00:08:35,000 --> 00:08:36,232 - [Demarcus] And so... - There were some--you said 198 00:08:36,299 --> 00:08:39,165 that you wanted her to start making payments in December. 199 00:08:39,232 --> 00:08:41,366 She said, "I'll do it in January." 200 00:08:41,433 --> 00:08:43,567 You didn't make those payments in January. 201 00:08:43,633 --> 00:08:46,000 At some point, you said, "I'll see you in court." 202 00:08:46,066 --> 00:08:47,333 - [Shelby] No. - Why not try to resolve it? 203 00:08:47,400 --> 00:08:48,767 [Shelby] It wasn't like that. 204 00:08:48,834 --> 00:08:51,300 Initially, I agreed to whatever they wanted 205 00:08:51,367 --> 00:08:54,667 because I just--I did feel bad, 206 00:08:54,734 --> 00:08:56,600 I felt pressured at the end of the day. 207 00:08:56,667 --> 00:08:59,867 Their wedding was in November, we're coming up on the holidays, 208 00:08:59,934 --> 00:09:02,734 - it's--it was a very, very busy season. - I'm gonna interrupt you 209 00:09:02,800 --> 00:09:04,500 'cause I'm sure you're a wonderful caterer, 210 00:09:04,567 --> 00:09:08,100 but you need to grapple with the fact 211 00:09:08,166 --> 00:09:11,266 that for what was a very, very important day 212 00:09:11,333 --> 00:09:12,367 - in their life... - [Shelby] Of course. 213 00:09:12,433 --> 00:09:16,400 [Judge Acker] ... they hired you for food, and there was no food. 214 00:09:16,467 --> 00:09:19,000 If I'm in your position, you should've been falling 215 00:09:19,066 --> 00:09:20,767 all over yourself to make it right 216 00:09:20,834 --> 00:09:22,867 before he sent this post. Judge DiMango. 217 00:09:22,934 --> 00:09:24,300 [Judge DiMango] I'd like to see the video please. 218 00:09:25,533 --> 00:09:26,533 Here we go. 219 00:09:26,600 --> 00:09:27,700 [woman] We need to make an announcement. 220 00:09:27,767 --> 00:09:28,767 [Judge DiMango] Please listen. 221 00:09:30,066 --> 00:09:34,467 [woman] Due to an unfortunate error of the date 222 00:09:34,533 --> 00:09:35,934 of this event, 223 00:09:36,000 --> 00:09:38,600 our caterer will not be here. 224 00:09:39,367 --> 00:09:43,200 What I need for you guys to do is to help me celebrate this couple. 225 00:09:43,266 --> 00:09:44,266 [man] Yeah. 226 00:09:44,333 --> 00:09:45,900 [woman] We will go on ... 227 00:09:45,967 --> 00:09:48,200 ... Because what God puts together, 228 00:09:48,266 --> 00:09:50,467 let no man put asunder. 229 00:09:50,533 --> 00:09:52,433 [cheers and applause] 230 00:09:52,500 --> 00:09:53,567 [woman] All right? 231 00:09:55,000 --> 00:09:57,467 [Judge DiMango] There will be no food. 232 00:09:57,533 --> 00:10:00,000 You should've gotten on your hands and knees, 233 00:10:00,066 --> 00:10:03,066 written a check for every penny they laid out. 234 00:10:03,133 --> 00:10:06,500 Here, you screwed up her day, her wedding day. 235 00:10:06,567 --> 00:10:08,166 She had, how many people at your wedding, 236 00:10:08,233 --> 00:10:09,600 - a hundred and fifty? - [Melissa] Two hundred. 237 00:10:09,667 --> 00:10:11,800 [Judge DiMango] Two hundred people, no food. 238 00:10:12,467 --> 00:10:14,533 And if any of them are like me, they didn't eat all day. 239 00:10:16,166 --> 00:10:18,734 [announcer] Coming up on Tribunal Justice. 240 00:10:18,800 --> 00:10:20,900 Where's your contract to them? 241 00:10:20,967 --> 00:10:22,734 You're the one who's in business. 242 00:10:22,800 --> 00:10:23,967 What do you use? 243 00:10:24,033 --> 00:10:25,333 [dramatic musical sting] 244 00:10:27,300 --> 00:10:28,567 [theme music plays] 245 00:10:28,633 --> 00:10:30,367 [announcer] Newlyweds Melissa Skillern-Thomas 246 00:10:30,433 --> 00:10:32,033 and DeMarcus Thomas 247 00:10:32,100 --> 00:10:36,100 are suing caterer Shelby Dean for almost $7,000. 248 00:10:36,165 --> 00:10:38,233 They claimed Shelby took their money 249 00:10:38,300 --> 00:10:41,033 then forgot to show up with food at their wedding. 250 00:10:41,100 --> 00:10:44,033 Shelby claims the contract had a different date, 251 00:10:44,100 --> 00:10:46,867 so it's their fault for not reading it. 252 00:10:46,934 --> 00:10:49,800 The fact that you did not say to them, 253 00:10:49,867 --> 00:10:53,000 "I cannot believe that this happened, I'm sorry. 254 00:10:53,066 --> 00:10:54,500 I'm gonna pay you for the china, 255 00:10:54,567 --> 00:10:56,934 I'm gonna pay you for the extra venue fee 256 00:10:57,000 --> 00:10:58,467 because I'm an outside caterer, 257 00:10:58,533 --> 00:11:00,533 I'm gonna pay you the 4,875." 258 00:11:00,600 --> 00:11:01,934 You know what you say to her? 259 00:11:02,000 --> 00:11:03,834 "Well, you know, I bought some stuff." 260 00:11:03,900 --> 00:11:05,834 Okay. What did you buy? You bought some canned beans? 261 00:11:05,900 --> 00:11:07,033 You know how long those for? 262 00:11:07,100 --> 00:11:09,100 You know the date of expiration on those beans? 263 00:11:09,166 --> 00:11:11,600 - They last forever. - [Shelby] I bought chicken breasts, 264 00:11:11,667 --> 00:11:13,433 - I bought floral. - [Judge DiMango] That's your problem. 265 00:11:13,500 --> 00:11:15,033 - That's your problem. - I still had to prep my team. 266 00:11:15,100 --> 00:11:16,934 That's your problem. 267 00:11:17,000 --> 00:11:19,100 Now, let me ask you your procedure. 268 00:11:19,166 --> 00:11:22,200 They come in, they wanna book a place with you. 269 00:11:22,266 --> 00:11:23,467 What do you do? 270 00:11:23,533 --> 00:11:24,834 You give them a contract, right? 271 00:11:24,900 --> 00:11:26,400 What date would you like to get-- 272 00:11:26,467 --> 00:11:28,166 what date would you have liked to get married? 273 00:11:28,233 --> 00:11:30,133 - November 2nd. - [Judge DiMango] November 2nd. 274 00:11:30,200 --> 00:11:33,000 And you say what? Let me look at my book, right? 275 00:11:33,066 --> 00:11:34,233 Uh-hmm. - [Judge DiMango] So, you look 276 00:11:34,300 --> 00:11:37,633 and you say, "Oh, that's a Thursday," correct? 277 00:11:37,700 --> 00:11:39,934 She says, "We're open." "We could do Thursday the 2nd." 278 00:11:40,000 --> 00:11:41,867 - Yes. - [Judge DiMango] You do what then? 279 00:11:42,667 --> 00:11:44,233 - We just go over the menu choices. - [Judge DiMango] No, no, 280 00:11:44,300 --> 00:11:46,867 - you don't write it down on your book? - I mean, yeah. 281 00:11:46,934 --> 00:11:49,867 Yeah, but this is what I wanna hear from you, every little thing you do 282 00:11:49,934 --> 00:11:53,700 because I'm gonna tell you that if you had a calendar and you had it open, 283 00:11:53,767 --> 00:11:56,200 and you put in what you were supposed to and you were booking, 284 00:11:56,266 --> 00:11:58,233 you would've seen almost every day 285 00:11:58,300 --> 00:12:00,166 exactly when that was. 286 00:12:00,233 --> 00:12:01,934 I don't do that until-- 287 00:12:02,000 --> 00:12:04,734 so I offer tasting, we do the tasting, 288 00:12:04,800 --> 00:12:08,200 and then, that's when they decide they're gonna book me or not. 289 00:12:08,266 --> 00:12:12,266 We had a tasting prior to booking her. 290 00:12:12,333 --> 00:12:13,367 - Prior to booking? - [Melissa] Yeah. 291 00:12:13,433 --> 00:12:14,800 So you did know? 292 00:12:14,867 --> 00:12:20,000 So you had the tasting, they came in, they booked, they picked November 2nd, 293 00:12:20,066 --> 00:12:21,867 you write it down, and if you didn't, 294 00:12:21,934 --> 00:12:24,233 well, then we already know this is all your fault 295 00:12:24,300 --> 00:12:27,066 because you said I don't book it until they have a tasting. 296 00:12:27,700 --> 00:12:29,967 Now, why would you ask them to pay for the food? 297 00:12:30,700 --> 00:12:33,734 My whole thing was I had put in work as well. 298 00:12:33,800 --> 00:12:36,300 Like I said, it was a big-- it was a big misunderstanding. 299 00:12:36,367 --> 00:12:38,533 The work that you put in was useless 300 00:12:38,600 --> 00:12:43,734 because they did not have a wedding on November 2nd with food. 301 00:12:43,800 --> 00:12:45,200 I got to tell you, I've been to weddings. 302 00:12:45,266 --> 00:12:47,500 Look, I really wouldn't want to eat those canned beans. 303 00:12:47,567 --> 00:12:48,600 I gotta be honest with you. 304 00:12:49,066 --> 00:12:52,300 So I think your pizza and your chicken and whatever else you got 305 00:12:52,367 --> 00:12:55,200 would've been far better choice for me at your wedding than that. 306 00:12:55,467 --> 00:12:57,500 So I think you could count your blessings. 307 00:12:58,000 --> 00:12:59,233 Judge Levy? 308 00:12:59,300 --> 00:13:01,567 I just wanna make sure that I got the money down right. 309 00:13:01,633 --> 00:13:05,033 - You paid her $4,875. - [Melissa] Correct. 310 00:13:05,100 --> 00:13:09,967 You paid $1,366.40 for the dish rental. 311 00:13:10,033 --> 00:13:11,033 - Correct. - Correct. 312 00:13:11,100 --> 00:13:13,433 - And the $500 for the venue fee. - Yes. 313 00:13:13,500 --> 00:13:15,166 You had the opportunity, ma'am, 314 00:13:15,233 --> 00:13:20,867 to return the $4,875 and chose not to, right? 315 00:13:20,934 --> 00:13:21,967 Right. 316 00:13:22,033 --> 00:13:24,166 [Judge Levy] Instead what you told Judge Acker 317 00:13:24,233 --> 00:13:27,100 is that you chose to take these legal actions, 318 00:13:27,166 --> 00:13:29,066 let them file against you 319 00:13:29,133 --> 00:13:31,266 and let the chips fall where they may, right? 320 00:13:31,333 --> 00:13:32,400 Yes. 321 00:13:32,467 --> 00:13:34,867 You said, "I'm not blaming anyone," in your answer, 322 00:13:34,934 --> 00:13:39,633 "But I feel like it's important to pay attention and read the documents, 323 00:13:39,700 --> 00:13:44,567 which is the reason we're in this situation today." 324 00:13:44,633 --> 00:13:46,700 - That's what you wrote in your answer. - Yes, sir. 325 00:13:46,767 --> 00:13:50,533 So you were blaming them for not reading the paperwork, right? 326 00:13:50,600 --> 00:13:51,867 Right. 327 00:13:51,934 --> 00:13:54,400 Judge DiMango asked you about your process. 328 00:13:54,467 --> 00:13:55,967 She asked you, how do things work? 329 00:13:56,033 --> 00:13:58,500 That you get contacted, you got a board, you gotta book, 330 00:13:58,567 --> 00:14:00,266 she talked about a contract, 331 00:14:00,333 --> 00:14:03,333 but I think we're a little confused about the contract. 332 00:14:03,400 --> 00:14:07,033 The contract was the one that you had with the venue 333 00:14:07,100 --> 00:14:09,767 that had the date of November 2nd on it, correct? 334 00:14:09,834 --> 00:14:12,667 - Correct. - That you provided to her, right? 335 00:14:12,734 --> 00:14:15,166 - For her to sign off on. - [Judge Levy] Sign off on. 336 00:14:15,233 --> 00:14:17,867 Where's your contract to them 337 00:14:17,934 --> 00:14:21,734 for $4,875 and a date? 338 00:14:21,800 --> 00:14:23,300 You're the one who's in business. 339 00:14:23,367 --> 00:14:25,166 - Where's your contract? - [Shelby] I mean, that's what I used... 340 00:14:25,233 --> 00:14:26,834 - Where's your contract? - [Shelby] That's what I used. 341 00:14:26,900 --> 00:14:28,400 [Judge Levy] What do you use? 342 00:14:28,467 --> 00:14:30,834 The documentation that I emailed them. 343 00:14:30,900 --> 00:14:33,033 The invoice is what she's referring to. 344 00:14:33,100 --> 00:14:36,633 Show me on that invoice where it says what you agreed to provide by way of food. 345 00:14:36,700 --> 00:14:39,934 Show me on that invoice where it says what time you were gonna arrive. 346 00:14:40,000 --> 00:14:41,800 There it is. Take a look at it. 347 00:14:41,867 --> 00:14:44,333 I can't believe that you haven't been sued before now. 348 00:14:44,734 --> 00:14:48,834 So you didn't provide a contract, right? 349 00:14:49,700 --> 00:14:51,667 I'm sorry, ma'am. Can you step up, please? 350 00:14:51,734 --> 00:14:53,567 - Ms. Richard, is it? - Uh-hmm. 351 00:14:53,633 --> 00:14:55,367 - You're Mr. Thomas' mom? - [Tonya] Yes. 352 00:14:55,433 --> 00:14:58,033 [Judge Levy] You had communications with her right from the beginning. 353 00:14:58,100 --> 00:14:59,100 Yes. 354 00:14:59,165 --> 00:15:01,467 There was a text message you discussed with Judge Acker 355 00:15:01,533 --> 00:15:07,100 dated February 1st, 2023 in which you sent to the defendant 356 00:15:07,166 --> 00:15:09,433 what you were thinking about with respect to food, 357 00:15:09,500 --> 00:15:10,533 the number of people, 358 00:15:10,600 --> 00:15:14,200 and she said to you, "And when is the wedding?" 359 00:15:14,266 --> 00:15:17,533 And you said, "November 2nd, 2023." 360 00:15:17,600 --> 00:15:19,633 Right? That refresh your recollection? 361 00:15:21,033 --> 00:15:23,166 - What was the date? - November 2nd. 362 00:15:23,667 --> 00:15:26,834 That wasn't the only time you communicated with her with respect to the date. 363 00:15:27,200 --> 00:15:28,867 Do you remember October 25th? 364 00:15:29,400 --> 00:15:30,400 Show it to her. 365 00:15:32,100 --> 00:15:35,100 Wednesday October 25th, you sent her a text. 366 00:15:35,165 --> 00:15:36,533 - Yes. - Read the text. 367 00:15:36,600 --> 00:15:38,934 [Tonya] Good morning, I emailed you the agenda 368 00:15:39,000 --> 00:15:41,266 with the time frame November 2nd. 369 00:15:41,333 --> 00:15:43,567 [Judge Levy] That's twice that you've been now advised 370 00:15:43,633 --> 00:15:46,900 that the date is November 2nd and you haven't provided a contract. 371 00:15:47,767 --> 00:15:49,367 I want you to tell me your recollection. 372 00:15:49,433 --> 00:15:51,900 What was it on the email in the subject line 373 00:15:51,967 --> 00:15:55,600 that Ms. Skillern sent to you with respect to the date of her wedding? 374 00:15:55,667 --> 00:15:56,900 What date? 375 00:15:56,967 --> 00:15:59,500 - I don't remember this... - [Judge Levy] Good. Let's show it to her. 376 00:16:00,533 --> 00:16:03,967 Twice. Once on September 18th, 2023 377 00:16:04,033 --> 00:16:06,967 and once on September 21st, 2023. 378 00:16:07,333 --> 00:16:08,700 Who was that sent by? 379 00:16:08,767 --> 00:16:10,400 Read the one from September 18th. 380 00:16:11,100 --> 00:16:12,100 [Shelby] Uh, Melissa. 381 00:16:12,166 --> 00:16:13,533 [Judge Levy] Who's Melissa? 382 00:16:13,600 --> 00:16:15,233 - The bride? - [Judge Levy] Yup. 383 00:16:15,633 --> 00:16:17,300 And what is the subject? 384 00:16:18,000 --> 00:16:21,100 Um, Heights Villa, 11/02/2023. 385 00:16:21,166 --> 00:16:22,367 [Judge Levy] That's November 2nd. 386 00:16:22,433 --> 00:16:26,066 Attached is the contract. Please provide as soon as possible. 387 00:16:26,567 --> 00:16:28,633 You didn't respond to that email right away 388 00:16:28,700 --> 00:16:31,300 and she had to resend it to you September 21st, 389 00:16:31,367 --> 00:16:33,200 so you got another email 390 00:16:33,266 --> 00:16:36,700 with the date in the subject line of the wedding which was? 391 00:16:37,734 --> 00:16:39,266 November 2nd. 392 00:16:39,333 --> 00:16:41,033 [Judge Levy] November 2nd. 393 00:16:41,100 --> 00:16:43,165 I'll take that back and you can hand her this, 394 00:16:43,233 --> 00:16:44,734 please, if you don't mind, Cassandra. 395 00:16:45,500 --> 00:16:48,200 That's the venue contract that you received 396 00:16:48,266 --> 00:16:50,800 from the place that the wedding was being held at, right? 397 00:16:50,867 --> 00:16:51,867 Uh-hmm. 398 00:16:51,934 --> 00:16:53,600 [Judge Levy] Take a look on the top of that first page. 399 00:16:53,667 --> 00:16:55,233 What date is the wedding? 400 00:16:55,300 --> 00:16:56,333 [Shelby] I mean, at the end of the day... 401 00:16:56,400 --> 00:16:57,867 - [Judge Levy] What date is the wedding? - ... I sent that invoice. 402 00:16:57,934 --> 00:17:00,266 It was, um, 11/02, but I didn't know about that. 403 00:17:00,333 --> 00:17:02,166 [Judge Levy] November 2nd. Take a look at the last page. 404 00:17:02,233 --> 00:17:03,600 Whose signature is that? 405 00:17:03,667 --> 00:17:04,934 It's mine. 406 00:17:05,333 --> 00:17:06,333 I think we're done. 407 00:17:06,967 --> 00:17:09,165 Very briefly. May I hear from you, ma'am? 408 00:17:09,233 --> 00:17:10,567 - Can you take the stand? - Uh-hmm. 409 00:17:11,633 --> 00:17:14,066 [announcer] Coming up on Tribunal Justice. 410 00:17:14,133 --> 00:17:19,032 Newlyweds, you are suing for $6,741 411 00:17:19,099 --> 00:17:20,700 and we're not gonna give you that. 412 00:17:20,767 --> 00:17:21,967 [dramatic musical sting] 413 00:17:24,000 --> 00:17:25,834 [theme music plays] 414 00:17:25,900 --> 00:17:27,700 [announcer] Newlyweds Melissa Skillern-Thomas 415 00:17:27,767 --> 00:17:30,166 and DeMarcus Thomas say they were devastated 416 00:17:30,233 --> 00:17:34,266 when caterer Shelby Dean never showed up with food at their wedding. 417 00:17:34,333 --> 00:17:37,700 They're suing Shelby for the return of their entire payment. 418 00:17:37,767 --> 00:17:40,900 Shelby claims DeMarcus humiliated her online 419 00:17:40,967 --> 00:17:42,734 causing her to lose more business, 420 00:17:43,300 --> 00:17:44,600 so now they're even. 421 00:17:45,033 --> 00:17:46,166 May I hear from you, ma'am? 422 00:17:46,233 --> 00:17:47,500 - Can you take the stand? - [Arnolia] Uh-hmm. 423 00:17:48,300 --> 00:17:50,233 [Judge Acker] Why did you bring your mom her today? 424 00:17:50,300 --> 00:17:52,233 Um, she was just here for support. 425 00:17:53,300 --> 00:17:54,734 May I talk, Your Honor? 426 00:17:54,800 --> 00:17:56,700 Uh, it depends on what you wanna say. What do you wanna say? 427 00:17:56,767 --> 00:18:00,233 Um, when Shelby was, um, shopping, 428 00:18:00,300 --> 00:18:04,934 Shelby called me because, um, the wedding planner has called Shelby. 429 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:06,767 She said, "Shelby, where were you?" 430 00:18:06,834 --> 00:18:10,567 Shelby called me and Shelby was frantic. 431 00:18:10,633 --> 00:18:15,700 She said, "Mom, the wedding is today and not tomorrow." 432 00:18:16,367 --> 00:18:18,800 I'm not--Shelby was hurt, 433 00:18:18,867 --> 00:18:23,433 Shelby was upset that she was not able to fulfill 434 00:18:23,500 --> 00:18:26,533 what she has stated for the couple. 435 00:18:26,600 --> 00:18:28,133 [Judge DiMango] Okay. Ma'am, thank you very much. 436 00:18:28,200 --> 00:18:29,333 - Yes. - So thank you. 437 00:18:29,400 --> 00:18:30,767 Well, you may resume your seat 438 00:18:30,834 --> 00:18:33,633 and we're going to deliberate in this matter, we will be back. 439 00:18:33,700 --> 00:18:36,800 Court now stands in recess. Parties are excused. 440 00:18:36,867 --> 00:18:39,867 [dramatic musical sting] 441 00:18:41,867 --> 00:18:45,567 Candidly, this is one of the easiest cases that I think we've seen in a long time. 442 00:18:45,633 --> 00:18:48,667 She has no defense and I was really, frankly, 443 00:18:48,734 --> 00:18:50,667 a little bit surprised in her answer. 444 00:18:50,734 --> 00:18:52,934 She kind of doubled down like that and said, 445 00:18:53,000 --> 00:18:54,800 "They really needed to look at the paperwork" 446 00:18:54,867 --> 00:18:57,066 when there were a number of instances 447 00:18:57,133 --> 00:18:59,667 where they said November 2nd, November 2nd. 448 00:18:59,734 --> 00:19:03,266 You know, I loved your questioning, Pat, because I'm kind of like, 449 00:19:03,333 --> 00:19:06,266 if somebody hires you to do something, don't you just write it in your book? 450 00:19:06,333 --> 00:19:09,533 Don't you just put it in your calendar as a matter of course? 451 00:19:09,600 --> 00:19:13,133 I think they are easily entitled to everything. 452 00:19:13,200 --> 00:19:14,567 Um, I frankly would've given them more 453 00:19:14,633 --> 00:19:16,567 for emotional distress if they'd asked for it. 454 00:19:16,633 --> 00:19:18,767 I definitely would've done either punitive damages 455 00:19:18,834 --> 00:19:21,000 because of their failure to actually come forward and say, 456 00:19:21,066 --> 00:19:22,467 "You know what? We get it. 457 00:19:22,533 --> 00:19:23,834 You should have all your money back." 458 00:19:24,300 --> 00:19:27,200 I certainly would've been comfortable giving her the full $10,000, 459 00:19:27,266 --> 00:19:29,166 I think, to ruin an event like this. 460 00:19:29,600 --> 00:19:32,567 I think they were even very fair in their request for the amount. 461 00:19:32,633 --> 00:19:35,433 They just really looked for out-of-pocket loss that they had. 462 00:19:35,500 --> 00:19:37,433 But what I was really interested in from her was, 463 00:19:37,500 --> 00:19:40,200 what do you do when you take a reservation? 464 00:19:40,667 --> 00:19:42,467 You know, Jerry Seinfeld has a line. 465 00:19:42,533 --> 00:19:44,900 He goes, "I know you know how to take the reservation, 466 00:19:44,967 --> 00:19:47,200 but do you know how to hold the reservation." 467 00:19:47,266 --> 00:19:50,066 And that's really--you know, so she took the date. 468 00:19:50,133 --> 00:19:52,667 I'm really curious as to what was she thinking? 469 00:19:53,200 --> 00:19:56,667 As I said, I would give the plaintiff more money, but that's up to all of us. 470 00:19:56,734 --> 00:19:58,033 [Judge Acker] Can we give them a little extra? 471 00:19:58,100 --> 00:20:00,834 Why not? Quite frankly, I don't think that the-- 472 00:20:00,900 --> 00:20:03,367 that the social media post that the new husband, 473 00:20:03,433 --> 00:20:06,200 the plaintiff sent--I don't think it was over the top at all. 474 00:20:06,266 --> 00:20:08,867 There've been many communications back and forth 475 00:20:08,934 --> 00:20:10,767 between the plaintiff and the defendant 476 00:20:10,834 --> 00:20:14,033 where he was professional, he was accommodating. 477 00:20:14,100 --> 00:20:18,166 And she, the defendant, told him in essence, pound sand, so. 478 00:20:18,233 --> 00:20:19,900 Did you see her out there? She's still really upset. 479 00:20:19,967 --> 00:20:21,233 - Uh, she... - I don't blame her. 480 00:20:21,300 --> 00:20:22,300 She's gonna be upset. 481 00:20:22,367 --> 00:20:25,600 But you know what the nice part-- it's gonna be 30 years that I'm married, 482 00:20:25,667 --> 00:20:27,367 and quite frankly, I think you said it, 483 00:20:27,433 --> 00:20:29,433 if they could get through that, 484 00:20:29,967 --> 00:20:31,934 they're gonna be 30 years in, in no time. 485 00:20:32,000 --> 00:20:33,000 - And I agree. - [Judge Acker] Yeah. 486 00:20:33,066 --> 00:20:34,433 - The whole thing. 10 grand. - Yeah. 487 00:20:34,500 --> 00:20:35,700 - So we're unanimous? - Unanimous. 488 00:20:35,767 --> 00:20:36,767 - Done. - All right. 489 00:20:37,300 --> 00:20:40,200 [dramatic musical sting] 490 00:20:40,266 --> 00:20:41,367 Court is back in session. 491 00:20:41,433 --> 00:20:43,600 I remind all parties you're still under oath. 492 00:20:43,667 --> 00:20:44,900 - Thank you, Byrd. - You're welcome. 493 00:20:44,967 --> 00:20:47,667 We've deliberated and we've reached a unanimous verdict. 494 00:20:47,734 --> 00:20:49,266 Um, first, let me ask you a question. 495 00:20:49,333 --> 00:20:50,934 Did the bartender show up, I hope? 496 00:20:51,000 --> 00:20:53,033 - Yes. Yes. - [Judge Levy] I hope, yeah. 497 00:20:54,233 --> 00:20:57,834 I mean, honestly, when I got married I told my wedding planner 498 00:20:57,900 --> 00:20:59,800 I want them to walk in the door 499 00:20:59,867 --> 00:21:02,333 and I want them to have food and drink immediately 500 00:21:02,400 --> 00:21:03,800 before I walk down the aisle. 501 00:21:04,300 --> 00:21:07,700 So I meant it when I said it was traumatic 502 00:21:07,767 --> 00:21:10,433 hearing about this experience for all of us. 503 00:21:10,500 --> 00:21:13,767 Absolutely horrible. And in fact, I'll point out to you, sir. 504 00:21:13,834 --> 00:21:16,700 Judges Levy and DiMango were like, 505 00:21:16,767 --> 00:21:19,233 "I didn't even think the social media posts were that bad 506 00:21:19,300 --> 00:21:20,600 given what you went through." 507 00:21:20,667 --> 00:21:21,700 It was a horrible experience. 508 00:21:21,767 --> 00:21:24,967 Ms. Dean, hopefully for you, this will be a learning experience. 509 00:21:25,033 --> 00:21:29,133 And there are two things that you must, you must take away from this. 510 00:21:29,200 --> 00:21:32,100 You must have a contract, your own contract 511 00:21:32,166 --> 00:21:35,600 for your own protection, and for the protection of your clients. 512 00:21:35,667 --> 00:21:36,734 That's the first thing. 513 00:21:36,800 --> 00:21:39,200 Your second takeaway is, look, people make mistakes. 514 00:21:39,266 --> 00:21:42,767 And when people make mistakes like this, know what you do? 515 00:21:42,834 --> 00:21:44,166 You fall on your sword. 516 00:21:44,233 --> 00:21:49,266 You say, "I will do whatever I can, however I can to make this right." 517 00:21:49,333 --> 00:21:51,300 They shouldn't have had to bring you to court. 518 00:21:51,367 --> 00:21:53,533 All they should've heard from you was sorry. 519 00:21:53,600 --> 00:21:55,166 And how can I pay you back? 520 00:21:55,233 --> 00:21:56,800 Full stop. Nothing else. 521 00:21:58,033 --> 00:22:03,000 Newlyweds, you are suing for $6,741 522 00:22:03,066 --> 00:22:04,700 and we're not gonna give you that. 523 00:22:05,367 --> 00:22:07,266 We're gonna give you $10,000 524 00:22:07,333 --> 00:22:09,767 because you are entitled to be compensated, 525 00:22:09,834 --> 00:22:12,266 uh, both for your out-of-pocket expenses. 526 00:22:12,333 --> 00:22:16,600 And we were all unanimous that frankly, if you'd asked for punitive damages, 527 00:22:16,667 --> 00:22:19,400 if you'd asked for emotional distress damages, 528 00:22:19,467 --> 00:22:22,200 we would've given you everything you would've asked for 529 00:22:22,266 --> 00:22:24,667 because I cannot imagine, none of us, 530 00:22:24,734 --> 00:22:28,233 having worked up to such a big event and a big day, 531 00:22:28,300 --> 00:22:31,934 and then to tell people they have to go eat pizza and fried chicken. 532 00:22:32,000 --> 00:22:36,133 So judgment is in favor of the plaintiffs for the amount of $10,000. 533 00:22:36,200 --> 00:22:37,200 - Good luck to you. - [DeMarcus] Thank you. 534 00:22:37,266 --> 00:22:38,633 Thank you. Thank you. 535 00:22:38,700 --> 00:22:39,767 [Byrd] Court has now concluded. 536 00:22:39,834 --> 00:22:41,834 Parties are excused. You may step out. 537 00:22:41,900 --> 00:22:44,567 [theme music plays] 538 00:22:44,633 --> 00:22:46,467 The situation could've been avoided 539 00:22:46,533 --> 00:22:49,367 if everybody basically just played their part. 540 00:22:49,433 --> 00:22:50,600 Uh, disbelief. 541 00:22:50,667 --> 00:22:53,500 Uh, devastated, um, embarrassed. 542 00:22:53,567 --> 00:22:55,433 It's horrible. Like I said, I feel bad. 543 00:22:55,500 --> 00:22:57,166 Triple check everything. 544 00:22:57,233 --> 00:22:58,867 I put myself in people's shoes. 545 00:22:58,934 --> 00:23:01,900 And if that was me, I would-- I, you know, I would be devastated. 546 00:23:01,967 --> 00:23:05,834 It was tough to see her upset about it, but glad it's over with. 547 00:23:05,900 --> 00:23:06,867 We can go forward. 548 00:23:06,934 --> 00:23:08,700 It's just a learning experience. I'm young. 549 00:23:08,767 --> 00:23:11,867 I'm only 32, so I'll just take this and grow from it. 550 00:23:11,934 --> 00:23:13,333 I can't get back that day. 551 00:23:13,900 --> 00:23:14,900 I can't get it back. 552 00:23:14,967 --> 00:23:16,700 [announcer] Have you been scammed? 553 00:23:16,767 --> 00:23:21,000 Let the majority rule in your favor on Tribunal Justice. 554 00:23:21,066 --> 00:23:22,734 Find us on social media. 555 00:23:23,467 --> 00:23:26,467 ["Ride of the Valkyries" plays]