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April 2025

MediaLawLetter April 2025

PUBLICATION:
in this issue

The Journalist as Superb Witness: Another Look at Palin v. Times

George Freeman

I think we sometimes underestimate the powerful and human characteristics our clients have; they are not nerdy geeks with notebooks; they are social and caring humans, who make their living by relating to and earning the trust of other people.

“Central Park Five” Defamation Lawsuit Against Trump Largely Survives Motion to Dismiss

Matt Kristoffersen

In an April 10 opinion, Judge Beetlestone disagreed with Trump that his statements were meant merely as opinion. Since his assertions could be objectively determined to be false — the then-teenagers didn’t plead guilty and didn’t kill anyone — his claims must be considered fact, she wrote.

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Court Dismisses Defamation Action Against The Real Deal

Gillian Vernick

This decision is yet another case to cite for the proposition that one does not need to bring a stand-alone motion for fees, as the Court awarded fees on the anti-SLAPP motion to dismiss.

Court SLAPPs Defamation Case Against Freelance Investigative Reporter

Wesley P. Paul

The court held that the articles about alleged manipulation of public traded stocks fell clearly within the scope of the anti-SLAPP statute and that plaintiff failed to plead any facts sufficient to establish they were published with actual malice. Notably, the court held that allegations about prior litigation and disputes between Honig and Buhl did not provide clear and convincing evidence of knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard.

Libel-Proof Plaintiff Defense Applied in Mugshot Defamation Case

David Chavez and Kaitlin M. Gurney

Judge Fitzpatrick found that “considering Young’s criminal history, it is concluded that Young could not have suffered any additional harm because his reputation in the community was already so tarnished before the publication that no further harm could have occurred.”

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Montana Enacts UPEPA Anti-SLAPP Law

Michael Meloy

HB 292, sponsored by freshman Republican Representative Tom Millett of Libby, MT, is an exact derivative of the Uniform Law Commission Model Anti-SLAPP Act. 

Ten Questions to a Media Lawyer

Neil Rosenhouse

Daily Beast lawyer on getting his start in media law, memorable cases, travel goals, favorite TV shows and more.