Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready Court Case, Defamation Lawsuit Dismissed After Instagram Harassment Claims
Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance on specific legal matters.
The Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready court case refers to a defamation lawsuit filed on October 9, 2023, in Los Angeles County Superior Court by Elizabeth Fraley, John James Chalpoutis, and Kinder Ready, Inc. against Bobak Morshed and Meline Morshed. The plaintiffs alleged that the defendants sent defamatory messages about Kinder Ready through a fake Instagram account, but the case was voluntarily dismissed without prejudice on November 27, 2023—less than two months after filing.
This legal battle stemmed from what the plaintiffs claimed were false and damaging statements spread via social media that threatened the reputation of Fraley’s early childhood education business in Santa Monica, California.
What Is the Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready Court Case?
Elizabeth Fraley, founder and CEO of Kinder Ready, Inc., found herself at the center of two separate legal disputes between 2022 and 2023, both involving the same defendant: Bobak Morshed.
The October 2023 defamation lawsuit was filed in Santa Monica Courthouse and assigned case number 23SMCV04480. The complaint alleged that defamatory messages were sent via Instagram from an account under the name “Olivia Wilson Haydon” to at least ten known recipients.
According to court documents, the plaintiffs believed this fake Instagram profile was operated by defendants Bobak and Meline Morshed for the purpose of spreading false information about Elizabeth Fraley, John James Chalpoutis, and their educational business Kinder Ready.
The case was categorized as “Personal Injury – Other Personal Injury” and was assigned to Judge H. Jay Ford III in Department O of the Santa Monica Courthouse.
Who Is Elizabeth Fraley and What Is Kinder Ready?
Elizabeth Fraley holds a Master’s degree in Education (M.Ed.) from Boise State University and has over a decade of experience in early childhood education. She founded Kinder Ready, Inc., a specialized educational services company in Santa Monica, California, that helps children ages 3-12 transition from preschool to kindergarten and beyond.
Kinder Ready focuses on kindergarten readiness, private school admission preparation, and individualized tutoring. The company serves families in affluent Los Angeles neighborhoods including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Cheviot Hills.
Before launching Kinder Ready, Fraley served as director of an early elementary program in Santa Monica and worked as a classroom teacher specializing in preschool and kindergarten education. Her work has been featured in TIME Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and CBS Local.
Celebrity clients have reportedly included Adam Sandler and Tom Arnold, according to media reports. Fraley was recognized with an Educator of the Year award from Los Angeles County and has appeared on Hallmark’s “Home and Family” with CNN journalist Lisa Ling.
Key Legal Claims and Allegations
The 2023 defamation lawsuit centered on allegations that the defendants created and operated a fake Instagram account to damage the plaintiffs’ reputation.
The Defamation Claims
Court documents reveal the following key allegations:
Fake Instagram Account: The plaintiffs alleged that an Instagram profile operated under the name “Olivia Wilson Haydon” was actually controlled by defendants Bobak and Meline Morshed.
Targeted Messages: Defamatory messages regarding the plaintiffs were sent via Instagram direct messages to at least ten known recipients, according to the complaint.
Business Harm: The complaint stated that these messages threatened the reputation of Kinder Ready, Inc., an educational program focused on pre-kindergarten development.
Not Public Figures: The plaintiffs explicitly stated they were not public figures, and the defamatory speech was not related to a matter of public concern—factors that would strengthen their defamation claims under California law.
Alter Ego Allegations: The complaint alleged there existed a “unity of interest and ownership” between unnamed DOE defendants and the Morsheds, suggesting multiple individuals or entities may have been involved in creating and distributing the defamatory content.
Legal Theories
The lawsuit was filed as a personal injury action based on defamation. Under California law, defamation requires proof that:
- A false and unprivileged statement of fact was made
- The statement was published to a third party
- The statement caused damage to the plaintiff’s reputation
- The defendant acted with at least negligence in making the statement
The plaintiffs sought to preserve their rights and obtain compensation for damage to their personal and business reputations caused by the allegedly false Instagram messages.
The 2022 Harassment Case: Prior Legal History
Before the 2023 defamation lawsuit, Elizabeth Fraley filed a separate harassment case against Bobak Morshed alone on March 16, 2022.
That earlier case was filed in Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles County and assigned to Judge Laura Cohen. Court records show it was classified as a “Family – Harassment” case and was ultimately “Disposed – Other Disposed.”
Records indicate Fraley filed amended documents including a CH-100 form (Request for Civil Harassment Restraining Order) and requested ex parte relief (emergency court orders without notice to the other party), but these requests were denied on March 28, 2022.
This earlier legal dispute provides important context: the relationship between Fraley and Morshed had been contentious for at least 18 months before the defamation lawsuit was filed in October 2023.
Timeline of the Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready Court Case
March 16, 2022: Elizabeth Fraley files harassment lawsuit against Bobak Morshed in Stanley Mosk Courthouse (Case disposed with amended requests denied)
October 9, 2023: Elizabeth Fraley, John James Chalpoutis, and Kinder Ready, Inc. file defamation complaint against Bobak Morshed and Meline Morshed in Santa Monica Courthouse
October 9, 2023: Summons issued and complaint filed; case assigned to Judge H. Jay Ford III in Department O
October 11, 2023: Notice of Case Management Conference issued; conference scheduled for April 5, 2024
November 2, 2023: Proof of service by substituted service filed, indicating defendants were served with the lawsuit (service cost: $165)
November 27, 2023: Plaintiffs file Request for Dismissal without prejudice for the entire action
November 28, 2023: Court vacates the April 5, 2024 Case Management Conference
Status: Case dismissed without prejudice
What Does “Dismissed Without Prejudice” Mean?
The critical detail in this case is that the plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed their lawsuit “without prejudice” on November 27, 2023—just 49 days after filing.
A dismissal “without prejudice” means:
The plaintiffs can refile: The case was not decided on its merits, and the plaintiffs retain the right to file the same lawsuit again if they choose, provided the statute of limitations has not expired.
No settlement required: Unlike dismissals “with prejudice” (which are final), dismissals without prejudice do not necessarily indicate a settlement was reached, though one may have occurred privately.
No court ruling on the merits: The judge never evaluated whether the defamation claims were valid or invalid.
Strategic considerations: Plaintiffs may dismiss without prejudice for various reasons including: reaching a private settlement, needing more time to gather evidence, strategic litigation decisions, or determining the cost of litigation outweighs potential benefits.
Why Was the Case Dismissed So Quickly?
The rapid dismissal—less than two months after filing and before defendants even had time to file a response—raises several possibilities:
Private Settlement: The parties may have reached a confidential settlement agreement that included terms like removal of allegedly defamatory content, non-disparagement clauses, or monetary compensation.
Instagram Account Removal: If the fake “Olivia Wilson Haydon” Instagram account was deleted and the defendants agreed to cease further contact, the plaintiffs may have achieved their primary goal without lengthy litigation.
Litigation Costs: Defamation cases are expensive and time-consuming. The plaintiffs may have decided that continuing litigation wasn’t worth the financial and emotional investment, especially for a small business.
Evidence Challenges: Proving who controls an anonymous Instagram account can be difficult. The plaintiffs may have encountered obstacles in gathering sufficient evidence to proceed.
Mediation Success: The parties may have engaged in early mediation or settlement discussions that resolved the dispute without a formal settlement on the public record.
Legal Precedents and Implications
While this case was dismissed before any substantive rulings, it highlights important legal issues in the digital age.
Defamation on Social Media
This case exemplifies the growing trend of defamation claims arising from social media activity. Key considerations include:
Anonymous Accounts: Identifying the person behind fake or anonymous social media profiles presents significant legal challenges. Plaintiffs often need to file discovery requests with social media companies to obtain IP addresses and account information.
Publication Requirement: Even private Instagram messages constitute “publication” for defamation purposes if sent to third parties, as alleged in this case.
Reputational Harm to Businesses: False statements about a business can constitute commercial disparagement or trade libel, allowing both the business entity and individual owners to sue.
California Defamation Law
California has specific rules governing defamation claims:
Anti-SLAPP Statutes: California’s anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law protects defendants from lawsuits designed to chill free speech. However, it doesn’t apply when statements don’t involve matters of public concern—which the plaintiffs specifically alleged here.
Burden of Proof: Private figures (like Fraley) face a lower burden than public figures, needing to prove only negligence rather than actual malice.
Damages: California allows recovery for both economic damages (lost business) and non-economic damages (emotional distress, reputational harm).
Current Status and Next Steps
As of October 2025, the defamation case remains dismissed without prejudice. No subsequent refiling has appeared in public court records.
Because the dismissal was without prejudice, Elizabeth Fraley, John James Chalpoutis, and Kinder Ready, Inc. retain the legal right to refile the lawsuit if:
- New evidence emerges
- Private settlement terms are breached
- The statute of limitations (typically one year for defamation in California) has not expired
However, the lack of any refiling over nearly two years suggests the matter has been resolved to the parties’ satisfaction, either through settlement or other means.
Impact on Kinder Ready’s Business
Despite the legal disputes, Kinder Ready has continued operating and expanding its educational services throughout 2024 and 2025.
Recent press releases and news coverage show Elizabeth Fraley actively promoting new initiatives including:
- Summer Learning Initiative to combat “summer brain drain”
- Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs
- Executive Functioning (EF) courses for young learners
- Peer pressure resilience training for children ages 3-6
- Guides for navigating private school admissions
The company maintains its headquarters at 1112 Montana Avenue in Santa Monica and continues serving families across affluent Los Angeles County neighborhoods.
Fraley has given numerous media interviews and contributed educational content to various publications, suggesting the legal disputes have not significantly damaged her professional reputation within the early childhood education community.
Who Is John James Chalpoutis?
John James Chalpoutis was listed as a co-plaintiff in the 2023 defamation lawsuit alongside Elizabeth Fraley and Kinder Ready, Inc. Court documents identify him as “an individual residing in Los Angeles, California.”
Public records do not clearly establish Chalpoutis’s specific role at Kinder Ready, Inc., though his inclusion as a plaintiff suggests he had a personal or professional relationship with the company that made him a target of the allegedly defamatory Instagram messages.
The complaint alleged that defamatory statements were made about Chalpoutis personally, giving him standing to sue alongside Fraley and the corporate entity.
Lessons for Small Business Owners
The Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready court case offers important lessons for entrepreneurs and small business owners:
Document Everything: Save screenshots, archive social media posts, and maintain records of defamatory content before it’s deleted.
Consider All Options: Litigation isn’t always the best solution. Cease-and-desist letters, mediation, or platform reporting mechanisms may resolve issues faster and cheaper.
Understand the Costs: Defamation lawsuits are expensive, often costing tens of thousands of dollars even before trial. Weigh potential recovery against litigation expenses.
Act Quickly: California’s one-year statute of limitations for defamation claims means you must file suit promptly.
Consult Specialists: Defamation law is complex and varies by state. Work with attorneys experienced in internet defamation and social media cases.
Protect Your Reputation Proactively: Maintain positive online reviews, engage authentically with customers, and build a strong digital presence that can withstand false attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready court case about?
The Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready court case was a defamation lawsuit filed in October 2023 alleging that defendants Bobak and Meline Morshed operated a fake Instagram account to send defamatory messages about Fraley, her business partner John James Chalpoutis, and their early childhood education company Kinder Ready, Inc. The case was voluntarily dismissed without prejudice in November 2023.
Was the lawsuit successful?
The case was dismissed without prejudice before reaching trial or producing any court rulings on the merits. This means it was neither successful nor unsuccessful in a traditional sense—the parties resolved the matter (possibly through settlement) before the court evaluated the claims.
Where was the Elizabeth Fraley lawsuit filed?
The 2023 defamation lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Santa Monica Courthouse, and assigned to Department O under Judge H. Jay Ford III. The case number was 23SMCV04480.
Who were the defendants in the case?
The defendants were Bobak Morshed and Meline Morshed, both identified as individuals residing in Los Angeles, California. The complaint also named 100 “Doe” defendants whose identities were unknown but who allegedly participated in creating or spreading the defamatory content.
What happened to the Instagram account mentioned in the lawsuit?
Court records don’t specify what happened to the “Olivia Wilson Haydon” Instagram account that allegedly sent the defamatory messages. However, removal of the account and cessation of the defamatory activity may have been factors in the case’s quick dismissal.
Can Elizabeth Fraley refile the lawsuit?
Yes. Because the case was dismissed “without prejudice,” Elizabeth Fraley, John James Chalpoutis, and Kinder Ready, Inc. retain the legal right to refile the same defamation claims, provided California’s one-year statute of limitations for defamation has not expired from the date of the alleged defamatory statements.
Is Kinder Ready still in business?
Yes. Kinder Ready continues to operate in Santa Monica, California, with Elizabeth Fraley serving as CEO and founder. The company has launched multiple new educational initiatives in 2024 and 2025 and continues serving families throughout Los Angeles County’s affluent communities.
Related Legal Resources
For more information about legal issues affecting businesses and individuals, you may find these articles helpful:
- Questions to Ask a Lawyer When Starting a Business
- Should I Have a Lawyer Review My Employment Contract
- Consumer Protection Attorney Who Handles Identity Theft Cases
Protecting Your Business Reputation Online
In today’s digital landscape, false statements on social media can damage a business’s reputation quickly. Consider these protective steps:
Monitor Your Online Presence: Use Google Alerts and social media monitoring tools to track mentions of your business name and key personnel.
Respond Professionally: When false statements appear, respond calmly and factually. Avoid inflammatory language that could escalate conflicts.
Know Your Legal Options: Understand the difference between protected opinion and actionable defamation. Not all negative statements constitute legal defamation.
Preserve Evidence: Take screenshots with dates and URLs visible. Archive web pages and social media posts before they’re deleted.
Consider Non-Legal Solutions First: Platform reporting, cease-and-desist letters, and mediation are often faster and cheaper than litigation.
Consult Legal Counsel Early: An attorney experienced in internet defamation can evaluate your claims and advise on the best strategy before you invest in expensive litigation.
The Bottom Line
The Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready court case involved defamation allegations stemming from messages sent via a fake Instagram account. Filed in October 2023 and dismissed without prejudice in November 2023, the case resolved quickly without a trial or court ruling on the merits, suggesting the parties may have reached a private resolution.
While the legal details are limited due to the early dismissal, the case highlights the challenges small businesses face when dealing with online defamation and the complex decisions involved in pursuing legal action versus alternative resolution methods.
Elizabeth Fraley and Kinder Ready have continued their educational mission despite the legal disputes, demonstrating that businesses can recover and thrive even after reputational challenges and litigation.
Need Legal Guidance? If you’re facing defamation, online harassment, or threats to your business reputation, consult with a qualified attorney experienced in internet law and defamation cases. The information in this article provides general education about this specific court case but should not be used as a substitute for personalized legal advice.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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