Fair Report & Other Privileges
Delaware Court Upholds Dismissal of Libel Suit by Former Trump Campaign Adviser Against Yahoo News and HuffPost
Jeff GrossmanIn upholding the manner in which Yahoo News reported on aspects of the government’s investigation related to what later came to be known as the “Steele Dossier,” the 4-1 decision represents an affirmation of the legal protections for reporting on government investigations.
Florida Court Applies Fair Report Privilege to Toss Former State Investigator’s Libel Suit Against Local Station
Karen Williams KammerThe court entered final summary judgment in favor of the station and reporter Bob Norman, finding, among other things, that what they had reported was true in all material respects.
Alan Dershowitz’s Libel Suit Against CNN Survives Motion to Dismiss
Amanda LevineJudge Singhal's decision has potentially far-reaching implications for media organizations reporting on issues of public concern.
Eleventh Circuit Decides New York’s Fair Report Privilege Protects Gizmodo Report on Sealed Florida Court Filing
The Eleventh Circuit unanimously affirmed summary judgment for Gizmodo Media Group in a libel suit filed by Trump aide Jason Miller, finding that New York’s fair and true report privilege protected publication of allegations concerning Miller that were filed but under seal in a Florida paternity/custody proceeding.
Second Circuit Affirms Dismissal of Attorney’s “Groping” Libel Suit Against New York Times
Al-Amyn SumarThe Second Circuit has affirmed dismissal of a libel suit against The New York Times brought by a Justice Department official who took issue with a story reporting he had groped a young administrative assistant.
Gannett Wins Summary Judgment on Defamation by Hyperlink Claim
Brian C. SpahnSometimes a hyperlink is the last word in a defamation case.
Barron’s Wins Dismissal of Prominent Securities Lawyer’s Defamation Complaint
Natalie J. Spears and Gregory R. NaronIn a victory for investigative journalism emphasizing New York law’s strong protection for headlines, Judge Paul Engelmayer of the Southern District of New York dismissed with prejudice all claims against Dow Jones and veteran reporter Bill Alpert in a defamation lawsuit brought by a prominent securities lawyer arising from an online Barron’s magazine article.
Defamation Claims Brought by Art Fraudsters Dismissed
Sigmund D. Schutz and Peter G. CallaghanIn a case mixing the sale of forged paintings and claims of defamation, a New Hampshire Superior Court recently ruled that reporting by several news organizations about an art forgery lawsuit is protected by the substantial truth doctrine and the fair report privilege.
Nevada Fair Report Privilege Does Not Apply to Citizen Complaints to Police, Absent Some Official Government Action
Mara GassmannThe Nevada Supreme Court reverses the district court’s dismissal of a defamation claim by billionaire, Republican activist, and casino magnate Steve Wynn against the Associated Press and its reporter.
President Trump Is a Libel Bully Again and It’s Worse: He’s Suing from the White House
Susan E. SeagerDonald J. Trump the Libel Bully is back. But this time, rather than filing frivolous libel lawsuits against the press as a private citizen, Trump is filing meritless lawsuits against the press as president of the United States.