Defamation
Pennsylvania Judge Called “QAnon-Linked” Loses False Light Lawsuit Against The Daily Beast
Seth Berlin, Kaitlin Gurney and Leslie MinoraThe Court dismissed the Complaint on actual malice pleading grounds, finding that Judge Patrick had failed to allege facts that, if proven, would constitute clear and convincing evidence “that Defendants acted with actual malice when they described her as a QAnon-linked judge.”
Music Producer Is a Public Figure in High Profile Case Against Pop Star
Benjamin E. Marks and Krystel DelauneyThe Court held that Gottwald is a limited-purpose public figure and must show by clear and convincing evidence that Sebert acted with actual malice when she accused him of sexual assault. It also granted summary judgment to Sebert with respect to five of the allegedly defamatory statements on the ground that they fell squarely within…
Connecticut Supreme Court Affirms Right of Immediate Appeal of Anti-SLAPP Decisions
Alexa MillingerConnecticut joins 16 states in holding that anti-SLAPP motions to dismiss may be immediately appealed rather than waiting for the conclusion of the case.
A Texas-Sized Battle to Protect Citizens Rights to Speak Freely
Laura Lee Prather and Reid PillifantThe quiet end for SB 896 came after a noisy lobbying effort by media, advocacy, consumer, and business groups to kill the bill.
Virginia Court Dismisses Homeowners’ Case Over B-Roll Footage in Jan. 6 News Story
Hilary OranThough courts rarely find that a party has been fraudulently joined, the court did so in this instance.
Virginia Federal Court Grants Gannett’s Motion to Dismiss Defamation Lawsuit Brought by Prominent Anti-Vaxxer and Covid Critic
Michael J. GrygielThe threshold dismissal was particularly welcome — and appropriate — because the Complaint targeted the newspaper’s reporting on a newsworthy community event implicating vitally important public health issues.
Proposed Florida Defamation Legislation
Sarah Papadelias and Rachel FugateOne proposal that was introduced during the session was an effort to overhaul defamation law in Florida by making it “easier” to sue media outlets in Florida.
Ohio Court of Appeals Affirms Dismissal of Police Chief’s Defamation Claims Linked to True Crime Podcast
Kevin T. ShookThe court of appeals affirmed that plaintiff lacked evidence of actual malice and also found certain statements were not actionable under Ohio’s innocent construction rule.
Court Dismissed Defamation Case Arising from Environmental Advocacy Group’s Campaign to Protect Canadian Forests
Chelsea Kelly and Laura HandmanAfter seven years of litigation, court ruled that defendants had not acted with actual malice and dismissed the case in full.
Court Dismisses Trump’s Tortious Interference Claim Against The New York Times
Samantha C. HamiltonJudge Reed’s decision is especially important for reporters who have sources with NDAs.