Classifieds Website Backpage.com Files Lawsuit Against Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart
(CBS) -- Backpage.com is suing Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart over his fight against the classified website's adult section.
Earlier this month, Sheriff Dart persuaded both Visa and Mastercard to end their relationships with online classified site Backpage.com.
Dart called out the company for its adult section and alleged that it helps fuel the illegal sex industry.
The website fired back with a lawsuit against the sheriff. In the suit, Backpage.com says Dart violated free speech rights of those who use the service to post ads. They are also asking for damages making up for lost revenue as a result of the boycott.
The sheriff's office says the credit card company has voluntarily discontinued their relationships with Backpage and instead of dedicating its resources to lawyers, they should be assisting law enforcement in seeking justice for sex trafficking victims.