Cyberbullying in Business - Part 2: My Story, Legal Rights, and How to Handle It Like a Pro

By Isha Hutchinson | 410 Line Dancers

Cyberbullying doesn’t just happen to teenagers—it’s real in the business world too. After a wave of online backlash that included over 1,000 negative responses, a direct threat, and people questioning my leadership, I had to find a way to protect myself and 410 Line Dancers. This is my story—and how I learned to turn pain into purpose, with tools to help others do the same.

When Criticism Turns to Cyberbullying

At first, I thought we’d agree to disagree. They believed they were right; I felt I was right. But then the threats came. One message said I needed to apologize publicly, or else. Someone even said we weren't the right leaders for our own business. I was stunned, hurt—and furious.

My first instinct was to confront them at the next event. Thankfully, I paused. I knew reacting in anger wouldn’t serve me or the business. So instead, I tried to step back, cool down, and keep my distance from those involved.

But the attacks didn’t stop.

Posts kept showing up online—vague but clearly about me. My inbox was full of unsolicited opinions. Almost no one asked how I felt. Everyone just talked at me. The more it happened, the more it reopened the wound.

I needed answers. I needed peace. I needed solutions.

Why Do People Cyberbully?

Understanding why people cyberbully helped me take things less personally. Here's what I found:

• Power & Control: Some use bullying to dominate or control narratives, especially in group settings or online communities.

  
  

• Insecurity: People who feel threatened by someone else’s success or leadership may lash out.

  
  

• Anonymity & Disinhibition: Online platforms can make people feel detached from consequences, lowering empathy (Suler, 2004).

  
  

• Mob Mentality: When one person starts, others join in to feel included or “righteous.”

According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, adults are not immune. Workplace cyberbullying is on the rise—especially in female-led or minority-owned businesses.

What Legal Rights Do You Have If You're Cyberbullied?

Lega Rights

Here’s how you can legally protect yourself:

1. Document Everything

Keep screenshots, messages, names, and dates. This evidence is crucial.

2. File a Police Report

In many states, threats or harassment fall under criminal law. For instance, Texas Penal Code § 42.07 criminalizes online threats, repeated harassment, and messages sent to torment or embarrass. In many states, threats or harassment fall under criminal law. If you're being targeted, filing a police report is an essential first step. Here’s how cyberbullying is treated in different states:

State	Penal Codes
Texas	Texas Penal Code § 42.07 criminalizes online threats, repeated harassment, and messages sent to torment, embarrass, or alarm others. It includes digital communication such as social media posts, emails, or texts.
Michigan	Michigan Penal Code § 750.411h & § 750.411s: Makes it a misdemeanor to cyberbully anyone using electronic means. If the behavior causes injury or death, it may be escalated to a felony. This includes posting threats, impersonation, or intentionally causing emotional distress. Penalties can range from 93 days in jail to up to 10 years, depending on the severity.
Pennsylvania	18 Pa. C.S. § 2709 (Harassment) and § 2709.1 (Stalking): Harassment includes communication through electronic means with the intent to annoy or alarm. Cyber harassment of a child is also covered under § 2709(a.1) and may result in misdemeanor charges. Repeat offenses or those with threats can lead to felony charges.
Indiana	Indiana Code § 35-45-2-2 (Harassment): It’s illegal to make repeated, unwanted contact through electronic means with the intent to harass, annoy, or alarm. Cyberstalking and online threats may fall under this law or § 35-45-2-1 (Intimidation), which can be classified as a Class A misdemeanor or Level 6 felony, depending on the case.

3. Report the Abuse

Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have anti-bullying policies. Use their reporting features and block abusers.

4. Request a Protective Order

If someone is harassing you persistently, you may qualify for a restraining order—even for digital harassment.

5. Consult a Legal Expert

Cyberbullying may fall under defamation, harassment, or intentional infliction of emotional distress. A lawyer can advise you if a civil lawsuit is warranted.

Healing From Cyberbullying: A Personal Shift

What changed everything for me? Realizing the attacks weren’t about me. They were about the people doing the attacking. I’ve seen them do it to others since, and now I know their negativity isn’t personal, it’s habitual.

I’ve committed to handling conflict like the leader I aspire to be—with grace, boundaries, and now legal awareness, too.

Final Thoughts: Empowerment Over Silence

I’ve decided that being aware of how to handle things emotionally and legally means being armed with a path to go down if the attacks continue. I’ve taken the perspective, up to this point, that even though we disagree, we are still part of the line dance family. However, once you reach your threshold, knowing your remedies is essential. You don’t have to suffer silently or live with the buzz of discomfort every time you attend an event. You deserve to handle things correctly—with wisdom, support, and confidence.