When a respected early childhood educator faces defamation claims through social media, the story captures attention. The Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready court case involved allegations of online harassment through a fake Instagram account targeting a Santa Monica education business owner and her company.
Elizabeth Fraley, founder and CEO of Kinder Ready Inc., filed a defamation lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court on October 9, 2023. The plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the complaint without prejudice less than two months later, on November 27, 2023. The case raised questions about social media defamation, reputational harm, and how quickly legal disputes can be resolved through confidential settlements.
This article examines the timeline of the lawsuit, the court proceedings, what happened during those 49 days, and where things stand today. You’ll learn about the allegations, the legal filing process, and what this case reveals about protecting your business from online harassment.
Featured Snippet
The elizabeth fraley kinder ready court case was a defamation lawsuit (Case No. 23SMCV04480) filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on October 9, 2023, against Bobak and Meline Morshed. The plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the complaint without prejudice on November 27, 2023, after 49 days.
Who Is Elizabeth Fraley?
Elizabeth Fraley holds a Master’s degree in Education (M.Ed.) from Boise State University. She spent over three years as a director of an early elementary program before founding Kinder Ready Inc. in Santa Monica, California.
Her educational service company operates from 1112 Montana Avenue and serves families across Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Cheviot Hills. Kinder Ready focuses on:
- Kindergarten readiness programs for ages 3-5
- Private school admission preparation
- One-on-one tutoring for students ages 3-12
- Transitional education from preschool to kindergarten
Fraley’s work earned recognition from Los Angeles County with an Educator of the Year award. Media outlets, including TIME Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, CBS LOCAL, and SF GATE, have featured her programs. She appeared on Hallmark’s “Home and Family” with CNN journalist Lisa Ling, who endorsed the program, stating her daughter “has learned a lot from her and, most importantly, she has had fun doing it.”
According to media reports and Kinder Ready’s website, celebrity clients have included Adam Sandler and Tom Arnold. The program helps families prepare students for admission to prestigious Los Angeles private schools, including Mirman School, Carlthrop, Curtis School, Center for Early Education, and UCLA’s Lab School.
Kinder Ready’s team is trained in various educational philosophies, including Bank Street, Waldorf, Reggio Emilio, and Montessori approaches. The company serves clients locally in Los Angeles and internationally through an individualized curriculum based on visual, spatial, kinesthetic, and musical learning modalities.
The October 2023 Defamation Lawsuit
On October 9, 2023, three plaintiffs filed a complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court:
- Elizabeth Fraley (individual)
- John James Chalpoutis (individual)
- Kinder Ready, Inc. (business entity)
The defendants named in the civil complaint were Bobak Morshed and Meline Morshed.
Case Details:
- Court: Santa Monica Courthouse, 1725 Main Street
- Case Number: 23SMCV04480
- Judge: H. Jay Ford III, Department O
- Category: Personal Injury – Other Personal Injury
- Jurisdiction: Unlimited Civil Independent Calendar
The summons was issued the same day the complaint was filed. Judge H. Jay Ford III presides over Department O at the Santa Monica Courthouse, which handles unlimited civil matters with case management conferences and law and motion hearings.
What Were the Allegations?
Court documents from the civil complaint revealed specific claims about a fake Instagram account. The plaintiffs alleged the defendants created and operated an Instagram profile under the name “Olivia Wilson Haydon” for the purpose of spreading defamatory messages.
This fake account allegedly sent false and damaging statements about Elizabeth Fraley, John James Chalpoutis, and Kinder Ready to at least ten known recipients. The complaint described the content as defamatory messages that harmed both personal and professional reputations.
The plaintiffs alleged a “unity of interest and ownership” between unnamed DOE defendants and the Morsheds. This legal language suggests the plaintiffs believed multiple parties coordinated the online harassment campaign through the fake Instagram account.
According to the complaint filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the alleged social media defamation aimed to:
- Damage Elizabeth Fraley’s reputation as an educator
- Harm Kinder Ready Inc.’s business standing
- Spread false information to potential clients and community members
- Cause economic damages to the educational service company
Timeline of Court Proceedings
October 9, 2023
Summons issued and civil complaint filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Judge H. Jay Ford III was assigned to the case in Department O at the Santa Monica Courthouse.
October 11, 2023
Notice of Case Management Conference issued. The court scheduled a conference for April 5, 2024, at 8:30 AM in Department O.
November 2, 2023
Proof of Service filed showing defendants Bobak and Meline Morshed received the lawsuit through substituted service. The service cost totaled $165 according to court records.
November 27, 2023
Plaintiffs filed a Request for Dismissal without prejudice for the entire action under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 581. The voluntary dismissal applied to all defendants and all claims in Case No. 23SMCV04480.
November 28, 2023
The Court vacated the previously scheduled Case Management Conference set for April 5, 2024.
The entire legal proceeding lasted precisely 49 days from the initial filing of the summons and complaint to the voluntary dismissal without prejudice.
Understanding Voluntary Dismissal Without Prejudice
The phrase “without prejudice” carries specific legal significance under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 581. When plaintiffs file a Request for Dismissal without prejudice, they retain the right to refile the identical lawsuit later.
This differs from a dismissal “with prejudice,” which permanently bars the plaintiffs from bringing the same claims again. California law permits voluntary dismissal without prejudice before the actual commencement of trial, preserving the plaintiff’s legal options.
Under California civil procedure, dismissals without prejudice allow plaintiffs to:
- Refile the same complaint against the same defendants
- Preserve legal claims within the applicable statute of limitations
- Address the case through settlement negotiations without court involvement
- Correct procedural issues or gather additional evidence
The quick voluntary dismissal in this case—just 49 days after filing the summons and complaint—suggests the parties likely reached a confidential settlement agreement. Private settlements often include terms that both parties agree not to disclose publicly.
California courts routinely grant requests for voluntary dismissal without prejudice when plaintiffs ask before trial commences. The court does not need to state reasons or approve the settlement terms unless special circumstances exist.
The Earlier 2022 Harassment Case
This wasn’t the first legal dispute between Elizabeth Fraley and Bobak Morshed. On March 16, 2022, Fraley filed a harassment lawsuit against Morshed alone at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles County.
Judge Laura Cohen presided over that earlier harassment case. Court records show the case was disposed with amended requests denied. Public court documents don’t reveal the specific details of those harassment allegations or what conduct triggered the legal filing.
This earlier civil dispute provides context showing the relationship between Fraley and Morshed had been contentious for at least 18 months before the 2023 defamation lawsuit. The pattern suggests ongoing conflict that escalated from the 2022 harassment complaint to the 2023 allegations involving the fake Instagram account and defamatory messages to multiple recipients.
Who Is John James Chalpoutis?
Court documents identify John James Chalpoutis as “an individual residing in Los Angeles, California.” His inclusion as a plaintiff suggests he had a personal or professional relationship with Kinder Ready that made him a target of the allegedly defamatory messages.
Public records don’t clearly establish Chalpoutis’s specific role at Kinder Ready Inc. His involvement indicates the fake Instagram messages affected him directly, not just the company.
Current Status and Aftermath
As of February 2026, the defamation case remains dismissed without prejudice. No subsequent refiling appears in public court records for Los Angeles County Superior Court. Nearly two years and three months have passed since the voluntary dismissal on November 27, 2023.
Under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 581, the dismissal without prejudice means Elizabeth Fraley, John James Chalpoutis, and Kinder Ready, Inc. technically retain the legal right to refile identical claims against Bobak and Meline Morshed. However, any refiling must occur before the applicable statute of limitations expires for defamation claims.
The lack of any refiling suggests several possibilities:
- The parties reached a confidential settlement agreement resolving all claims
- The terms of any settlement may include provisions preventing future litigation
- The plaintiffs obtained satisfactory resolution without needing court intervention
- The dispute ended to the mutual satisfaction of all parties
Neither Elizabeth Fraley, Kinder Ready Inc., nor the Morshed defendants have made public statements about the case resolution, settlement terms, or the underlying allegations involving the fake Instagram account. California law does not require parties to disclose private settlement agreements reached outside court proceedings.
How Kinder Ready Has Performed Since
Despite the legal disputes, Kinder Ready has continued operating and expanding. The company launched multiple new educational initiatives throughout 2024 and 2025.
Recent Programs and Initiatives
Summer Learning Initiative
Designed to combat “summer brain drain” with structured learning activities.
Parent-Led Learning Initiative (October 2025)
Empowers families with tools to support early literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking at home.
Reading Intervention Program (April 2025)
Targets below-grade-level readers in early elementary school with phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies.
Back-to-School At-Home Support (September 2025)
Helps parents ease the transition with daily routine-building strategies.
Elizabeth Fraley continues serving as CEO and founder. She has given numerous media interviews and contributed educational content to various publications. The legal disputes appear not to have significantly damaged her professional reputation within the early childhood education community.
Understanding Defamation Law in California
Social media defamation cases in California, particularly those involving Instagram or other platforms, require plaintiffs to prove several elements:
Elements of Defamation
- False Statement of Fact
A provably false statement was published, not merely an opinion. California courts distinguish between statements of fact and protected opinions. - Publication to Third Party
The defamatory messages must be communicated to someone other than the plaintiff. Sending messages through a fake Instagram account to at least ten recipients satisfies this requirement. - Fault
Private figures like Fraley need to prove only negligence, not actual malice. This means the defendant failed to use reasonable care in determining the truth of their statements. - Damages
The false statements caused measurable harm to reputation, resulting in economic damages (lost business revenue) or non-economic damages (emotional distress, reputational harm).
Libel vs. Slander
California law categorizes written defamation—including social media posts, Instagram messages, and online comments—as libel. Spoken defamation is slander. Cases involving fake Instagram accounts and defamatory messages fall under libel because the statements appear in written form.
Burden of Proof for Private Figures
Private figures face a lower burden than public figures. They need not prove actual malice—knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for truth. Instead, private figures must show the defendant acted negligently in publishing false information.
Available Damages in California
California defamation law allows plaintiffs to recover:
- Economic damages: Lost business income, decreased revenue, costs of reputation repair
- Non-economic damages: Emotional distress, humiliation, damage to personal and professional standing
- Punitive damages: In cases showing malice or intentional harm
The elizabeth fraley kinder ready court case never reached the evidence presentation stage. The voluntary dismissal without prejudice means no court ruling determined whether defamation actually occurred or what damages might have been appropriate.
Social Media Defamation and Business Reputation
The elizabeth fraley kinder ready court case highlights modern challenges business owners face with social media defamation. A fake Instagram account can spread false information to dozens of recipients within hours, causing immediate reputational harm to both individuals and businesses.
The Instagram Defamation Problem
Creating fake accounts for the purpose of sending defamatory messages poses unique challenges. Instagram profiles using false identities can:
- Send direct messages to potential clients and business contacts
- Spread false statements about businesses and their owners
- Operate anonymously, making identification difficult
- Reach large audiences before detection
Key Statistics on Social Media Impact
According to recent data:
- Instagram has over 2 billion monthly active users globally, making it a powerful platform for both legitimate communication and potential defamation
- 84% of consumers trust online reviews and social media comments as much as personal recommendations
- 40% of consumers say negative social media comments influence their purchasing decisions
- Small businesses prove particularly vulnerable to online defamation because they often lack resources to combat false information quickly
Identifying Users Behind Fake Accounts
California law provides mechanisms for identifying anonymous defendants. When plaintiffs file defamation lawsuits against unknown parties (John Doe lawsuits), attorneys can:
- Subpoena Instagram and other social media platforms for user information
- Request IP address logs showing where the fake account was accessed
- Obtain device and browser data creating unique digital fingerprints
- Cross-reference email registration details with other accounts
The process requires filing a formal complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court or other appropriate jurisdiction, then serving a subpoena on the platform. While Instagram protects user privacy, courts can compel disclosure when plaintiffs show legitimate defamation claims.
Protecting Your Business from Online Defamation
The Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready court case offers lessons for business owners worried about fake Instagram accounts and social media defamation.
Monitor Your Digital Presence
Set up Google Alerts for your business name, key personnel, and brand variations. Use social media monitoring tools to track mentions across Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms. Check regularly for fake accounts using your business name or your personal identity.
Document Fake Accounts and Defamatory Messages
When you discover a fake Instagram account sending defamatory messages:
- Take screenshots with visible timestamps
- Use professional screenshotting software like PageVault for court-admissible evidence
- Record all recipients who received the defamatory messages
- Save the fake account’s profile information before it might be deleted
- Document how the false statements harm your business
This evidence becomes crucial if you file a defamation lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court or another jurisdiction.
Report to Instagram
Instagram provides reporting mechanisms for fake accounts and harassment. Submit reports through their Help Center, specifying:
- The fake account violates community guidelines
- The account engages in impersonation or defamation
- How the defamatory messages cause harm
Instagram keeps all reports anonymous. The reported user won’t know who filed the complaint.
Legal Options in California
When Instagram reporting doesn’t resolve the issue, California law provides several remedies:
Cease and Desist Letter: An attorney can send a formal demand requiring the person to stop the defamatory behavior, remove content, and refrain from future false statements.
Defamation Lawsuit: File a civil complaint alleging libel (written defamation). The complaint can seek economic damages, non-economic damages, and potentially punitive damages.
Subpoena for User Information: File a John Doe lawsuit to compel Instagram to disclose the identity behind fake accounts. This requires demonstrating a legitimate legal claim in court.
Settlement Negotiations: Many social media defamation cases resolve through confidential settlement agreements before trial, similar to the voluntary dismissal without prejudice in the Fraley case.
Build Positive Online Content
Create authentic, positive content about your business. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews. Develop media features and community involvement that counterbalance any false information. A strong positive online presence helps mitigate damage from isolated incidents of defamation.
Lessons from the Elizabeth Fraley Case
The Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready court case provides several important takeaways for business owners and individuals facing social media defamation:
Speed of Resolution Through Settlement
Civil complaints don’t always drag through years of litigation. This defamation lawsuit was resolved in under two months through voluntary dismissal without prejudice. When parties negotiate in good faith, confidential settlement agreements can resolve disputes far faster than trial proceedings in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Privacy in Confidential Settlement Agreements
Most settlement terms remain private. The public never learns specific details about what was agreed, whether monetary damages were paid, or what promises the parties made. California law doesn’t require disclosure of private settlement agreements reached outside formal court proceedings.
Business Continuity Despite Legal Disputes
Defamation lawsuits don’t necessarily destroy businesses. Kinder Ready not only survived the allegations about the fake Instagram account but also expanded its educational services after the voluntary dismissal. The company launched new programs throughout 2024 and 2025, demonstrating that businesses can maintain operations during legal disputes.
Importance of Documentation
The civil complaint referenced specific recipients who received defamatory messages from the fake Instagram account named “Olivia Wilson Haydon.” Thorough documentation of who received false statements, when they were sent, and what specific claims were made strengthens any defamation case filed in California courts.
Strategic Use of Voluntary Dismissal
Filing a Request for Dismissal without prejudice under California Code of Civil Procedure Section 581 provides flexibility. Plaintiffs can dismiss to pursue settlement negotiations while preserving their right to refile if negotiations fail. This strategic option often encourages defendants to negotiate seriously.
Cost of Service and Legal Proceedings
The proof of service filing showed $165 in costs just for serving the summons and complaint on the defendants through substituted service. Legal proceedings involve measurable expenses beyond attorney fees—court filing fees, service costs, and document preparation all add up quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready court case about?
A defamation lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court alleging defendants operated a fake Instagram account to send defamatory messages about Fraley and her education business.
When was the lawsuit filed and dismissed?
Filed October 9, 2023 (Case No. 23SMCV04480). Plaintiffs filed a voluntary dismissal without prejudice on November 27, 2023, lasting 49 days total.
Who were the defendants named in the complaint?
Bobak Morshed and Meline Morshed were named as defendants accused of creating the fake Instagram account used for defamation.
Did the case go to trial in the Santa Monica Courthouse?
No. The plaintiffs filed a Request for Dismissal without prejudice before trial, likely due to a confidential settlement agreement.
Is Kinder Ready still operating in Santa Monica?
Yes. Kinder Ready continues operating at 1112 Montana Avenue and has launched several new educational programs since the lawsuit ended.
The Bigger Picture
The Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready court case represents a small but significant example of how social media defamation affects businesses. Creating fake Instagram accounts to send defamatory messages has become a common form of online harassment. Business owners need to understand both their legal rights and practical remedies.
California’s legal system provides clear mechanisms for addressing defamation through civil complaints filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court or other appropriate jurisdictions. Plaintiffs can seek economic damages for lost business, non-economic damages for reputational harm, and court orders compelling social media platforms to disclose user information behind fake accounts.
The quick resolution through voluntary dismissal without prejudice demonstrates that many defamation cases settle privately. Confidential settlement agreements often provide a satisfactory resolution without the time and expense of trial proceedings. The 49-day timeline from filing the summons and complaint to requesting dismissal suggests efficient negotiation between the parties.
Elizabeth Fraley’s experience shows that businesses can weather legal storms involving defamatory messages and fake social media accounts. Kinder Ready has expanded its reach, launched new educational programs, and maintained its reputation in Santa Monica’s competitive early childhood education market. The company continues serving families across Brentwood, Venice, Malibu, Beverly Hills, and surrounding neighborhoods.
For anyone facing similar situations with fake Instagram accounts or social media defamation, the key lies in swift action. Document the defamatory messages thoroughly, report fake accounts to the platform, and consult experienced attorneys about filing a civil complaint if necessary. Not every instance of online harassment requires a defamation lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court. But when legal action becomes necessary, understanding California Code of Civil Procedure Section 581, the burden of proof for libel claims, and your options for voluntary dismissal helps you make informed decisions about protecting your business and personal reputation.
