Man sues parents for thousands after they destroy his extensive porn collection
The collection included 1605 DVDs, VHS tapes, toys, and other paraphernalia.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Michigan man has successfully sued his parents for $75,000 (£55,500) for destroying his extensive porn collection.
In a ruling concluded on 16 December by U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney, Beth and Paul Werking will have to pay their son David, 42, as much as $75,000 for destroying the porn.
Paul and Beth Werking of Grand Haven, Ottowa, were sued in 2018 by their son David Werking after they destroyed his collection of 1605 DVDs, VHS tapes, toys, and other paraphernalia and materials in 2018.
In the lawsuit, the younger Mr Werking states that the value of the items is approximately $25,000 (£18,500), but with his lawyer stating that Mr and Mrs Werking should pay their son triple the value of the items "which [he] believe[s] are warranted given the wanton destruction of the property.
”He continued by stating “This was a collection of often irreplaceable items and property.”
Paul Werking apparently confessed to destroying the collection in an email: “Frankly, David, I did you a big favour by getting rid of all this stuff,” MLive.com reported in September 2019.
Throughout this communication, his father accused David Werking of owning incestuous and paedophilic porn amongst his collection, according to The Holland Sentinel in Michigan. A later court ruling found this to be false, stating all of the content owned by Mr Werking to be legal.
David Werking filed the suit against his parents in federal court April 2019, accusing his parents of illegally destroying a large amount of pornography that he had left behind at his parents’ house when he moved out after a brief time living with his parents following his divorce in August 2017. He now lives in Indiana.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments