Help Charlie Hillman Cover Legal Costs

Charlie Hillman attended court on the morning of December 16, 2024 to conclude a lawsuit where she is being sued by Larry and Shelly Ferguson that couldn’t be settled in mediation. Larry and Shelly are rumored on social media and in the public to be the contributor to the billboard west of Richland Center that displays the words “Dumb and Dumber” under photos of our now President and Vice President. This billboard has been a topic of discussion both on Facebook and the national news since the day it went up. Many people have found this to be a disrespectful billboard, including Charlie. Charlie has been open about her bipolar, including writing blogs and publishing those blogs in books. In late May 2024, Charlie had a relapse in her illness causing her a manic episode, during which she painted “F*** Trump” and "Jesus waz here" on the front of the Ferguson’s place of business. Although the Ferguson’s prevailed in their lawsuit to make Charlie pay to get that portion of the building painted to cover the graffiti, Charlie’s only form of income is Social Security, making her uncollectible. The Ferguson’s have insurance, but chose to sue Charlie for money, she will need years to pay off if it ever is.

Mania isn’t the only symptom of bipolar disorder. People living with this disorder also have periods of depression and alternate between extreme highs and extreme lows. During a manic episode, they might experience high levels of mental energy and racing thoughts, which can impair their ability to focus, recall facts, and make decisions. They think quickly and aren’t able to “shut off” their thoughts, where they make irrational decisions or act without thinking, possibly leading to harmful behaviors, like reckless driving or impulsive shopping. After an episode of psychosis, they might find it challenging to remember what happened during the episode, including remembering things that didn’t actually happen.

Bipolar disorder is unpredictable and is a lifelong struggle. People with bipolar disorder can not control their emotions or moods. Bipolar disorder is a mental illness. Comments like “snap out of it,” or “get a grip” do not work. These episodes are most often not caused by medication noncompliance, they are stress induced.

Charlie wrote, “When I am ill with bipolar mania, I am under the false belief that I am above the law and have no fear of repercussions. Being manic gives me a lack of impulse control and confidence to do things that I wouldn’t under normal circumstances. The majority of the time, I am a law abiding citizen who would never dare to make a non-violent peaceful protest of anything like political differences. A little graffiti has turned into a real David versus Goliath story. My illness isn’t an excuse but an explanation. My apologies to those affected for my disrespect.”

We would like to ask that you help ease her stress helping her pay her judgement of $2,029.25.