Anti-SLAPP
New York Federal District Court Dismisses Financier’s Libel Case
Robert P. LoBueThe decision covers a number of issues of current interest to the media bar, including the circumstances in which hyperlinking to an earlier, allegedly libelous article is a republication starting a new limitations period, the scope of the “issue of public interest” standard in the recently-enacted amendments of New York Anti-SLAPP statute, and the actionability…
Ninth Circuit Unanimously Affirms First Amendment Protection for Rachel Maddow’s “Paid Russian Propaganda” Commentary
Nathaniel L. Bach and Marissa M. MulliganThe Court held that the Southern District of California correctly granted Defendants’ anti-SLAPP motion because Ms. Maddow’s statement that OAN “really literally is paid Russian propaganda”—in the context of her broadcast, in which she employed entertaining and hyperbolic language while commenting on a matter of public concern and fully disclosing the facts—“is well within the…
Connecticut Court Upholds Fair Report Privilege and Anti-SLAPP Law
William S. Fish, Jr. and Alexa MillingerTwo recent Connecticut Appellate Court decisions based on The Hartford Courant’s reporting on a local lawyer’s professional sanctions affirmed the strength of the fair report privilege as a defense to a defamation claim under Connecticut law and also represented the first appellate case decided under the state’s relatively new Anti-SLAPP law.
Washington Enacts Uniform Public Expression Protection Act
Bruce E.H. JohnsonWith the Governor's signature, Washington has become the first state to enact the Uniform Act adopted by the Uniform Law Commission in July 2020.
New York Court Grants Anti-SLAPP Motion and Dismisses Defamation Claims Against Local Blogger
Michael J. GrygielIn a David-versus-Goliath scenario, New York State Supreme Court, granted an anti-SLAPP motion for summary judgment dismissing a defamation action brought by a construction company against a community blogger and awarded the defendant costs and attorneys’ fees.
Florida Court SLAPPs Anti-Muslim Activist Laura Loomer’s Lawsuit
Lauren Russell, Matthew Cate and Charles TobinThe court concluded that Loomer’s Complaint was “precisely the type of harassing lawsuit condemned by” the anti-SLAPP statute.
Judge Dismisses Defamation Lawsuit and SLAPPs Plaintiffs with Newspaper’s Legal Fees
Karim A. Abdulla and Joseph M. FinnertyThe court granted the motion, holding not only that the article was substantially true and privileged, but also that the amended anti-SLAPP legislation required dismissal and attorney’s fees.
Former Congresswoman’s “Revenge Porn” Suit Against Media Outlets Dismissed
Kelli Sager, Dan Laidman, and Abigail ZeitlinA Los Angeles judge has rejected a novel attempt to hold media outlets liable under a so-called “revenge porn” statute, in a high-profile case involving former Congresswoman Katie Hill.
Better Business Bureau of Metro Atlanta Wins Dismissal of Libel Suit Under Georgia’s New(ish) Anti-SLAPP Law
Alia SmithThe court rejected granted the anti-SLAPP motion in full, holding that defendant made the “‘threshold showing’ that the challenged speech arises ‘in connection with an issue of public interest or concern’ because the speech concerns consumer affairs.”
New York Federal Court “SLAPPS” #MeToo Defamation Claims
Cara McGourty, Katherine L. McKnight and Mark I. BailenThis decision appears to be the first in federal court to apply the revised New York anti-SLAPP statute in a case not involving a public figure.