Trial Magazine

Justin Hopson was building a home, and Kiawah Island Real Estate LLC (KIRE) was the listing agent for the sale of the home. Jeffrey Forte, KIRE’s agent, acted as an agent for the potential buyers of Hopson’s property. After Hopson entered into a $2.49 million contract with Forte’s buyers, they refused to close on the property and bought another home for $3.85 million, using Forte as their agent.

Hopson sued Forte and KIRE, alleging contractual interference and civil conspiracy. The plaintiff asserted that Forte had been instrumental in convincing the buyers to breach their contract with him and made false and defamatory statements about him that damaged his reputation and business, including that he had used forged documents related to a permit.

The jury awarded $110,000.

Citation: Hopson v. Forte, No. 2021-CP-10-03241 (S.C. Ct. Com. Pl. Charleston Cnty. Nov. 9, 2023).

Plaintiff Counsel: AAJ member John E. Parker and John E. Parker Jr., both of Hampton, S.C.