Daisy had arranged for an out-of-court settlement with the plaintiff.
The location was in an office at the Los Angeles Courthouse.
The mediator was Mikita George, who was also a lawyer.
Many state courts have court-annexed mediation, where the mediators are mostly lawyers or retired judges. The courts encourage parties to resolve disputes through the mediation services they provide.
At 9:20 a.m., Daisy and Luke represented Danny Carter to participate in the mediation.
The two chatted with the mediator for a while, and it was apparent he had a genuine interest in Danny Carter's case.
From the conversation, Luke had the impression that he was somewhat envious of Daisy; having a client like Danny Carter was synonymous with fame and fortune.
At 9:30, Billie Worry and her lawyer, Robbin Will, arrived, followed by a young man. Although it was their first meeting, Luke had reviewed Billie Worry's information beforehand and knew the man was her boyfriend.
Mediator Mikita George gestured for them to sit down and said, "OK, since everyone is here, let's get started.
I have also been following this case and have encountered many similar cases.
Going to court with such a case benefits no one. Mediation is the most appropriate option.
Let's hear your thoughts."
Plaintiff's lawyer Robbin Will spoke, "In this case, my client was hurt, not just physically, but also mentally, and it is for these reasons that we are seeking compensation."
Daisy responded, "Hurt?
I don't know what you're referring to?"
"Danny Carter assaulted my client. Isn't that harm?
Attorney Ellis, you're a woman too, I believe you should be able to understand the pain of my client. We seek not only compensation but also require Danny Carter to apologize in person and admit his wrongdoing."
Daisy replied, "The police have already dropped the criminal proceedings against Danny Carter, which means that no assault occurred. The two had consensual feelings, and there was no coercion or hurtful behavior. Why should there be compensation?
Furthermore, based on the premise of gender equality, if compensation is due after a relationship, shouldn't my client also sue Billie Worry for damages?"
Billie Worry's boyfriend displayed an angry expression, "Bullshit consensual feelings. I am Billie Worry's boyfriend. Our relationship is stable; she loves me and would never cheat on me.
She was assaulted by Danny Carter."
Daisy looked at the couple and asked, "Billie Worry, is he your boyfriend?"
Billie Worry nodded, "Yes."
"During your relationship with him, have you ever dated other men?"
"No, I never have. I'm not the kind of woman you think I am. That night, I had been drinking, and Danny Carter offered to take me home. Then he started to make moves on me, and I wanted to resist...
But he was too strong, and I was forced."
"So, you don't like Danny Carter?"
"Yes, I am not that type of woman. I only love my boyfriend." As she spoke, Billie Worry took her boyfriend's hand.
The boyfriend hugged her and kissed her forehead.
Mediator Mikita George remarked, "Since this is a mediation, I hope both sides can show some sincerity and reduce unnecessary disputes.
Mikita George continued, "Plaintiff, could you state your demands?"
Billie Worry's lawyer, Robbin Will, said, "Firstly, Danny Carter must apologize to my client. We know he's a celebrity and we don't want to ruin him.
Therefore, the apology can be private.
In addition, this incident has had a massive impact on my client, causing multi-faceted harm, including physical, mental, and reputational damage. We are demanding a compensation of two million US dollars."
Luke laughed, "In South Korean won?"
Luke shook his head, "You're even greedier than I imagined. What's the difference between this and blackmail?"
Robbin Will stated, "This is the compensation Danny Carter should pay my client, what she deserves."
Daisy said, "Two million US dollars is too high. Our client cannot possibly accept that."
Mediator Mikita George intervened, "Does the defendant have any proposals to offer?"
Daisy responded, "First of all, there was no wrongdoing since my client and Billie Worry's relationship was based on mutual consent, so there isn't anything to compensate for.
However, considering the impact, my client is willing to pay a sum of money to settle the matter.
But it must be within a reasonable range."
Billie Worry's boyfriend demanded, "How much is he willing to pay?"
"Fifty thousand US dollars."
Billie Worry's boyfriend showed dissatisfaction, "What! Are you joking? A meal costs more than fifty thousand for someone like him, and you're trying to settle this with just that.
I'll give you two words, 'dream on.'"
Daisy said, "Billie Worry, could you ask your boyfriend to step outside? I would like to talk to you alone."
Billie Worry's boyfriend stood up fiercely, questioning, "Why should I leave?"
"We have uncovered some new evidence, and I would prefer that not too many people see it."
Clearly, this answer did not satisfy Billie Worry's boyfriend, "I am her boyfriend. She has been hurt, and it's my duty to fight for her rights."