The ex-head mistress of Oprah Winfrey's Leadership Academy for Girls sued Winfrey last month in Philadelphia for defamation, based on certain alleged comments made by Winfrey. For example, the complaint alleges that Winfrey said, "I thought she cared about the girls of South Africa." The implication being, according to the Complaint, that the ex-head … [Read more...] about Oprah Winfrey Seeks Dismissal of Defamation Lawsuit
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Foreign Court Decides Linking To Third Party Content Is Not Libel
The Canadian Supreme Court held that linking to third party content is not libel in Crookes v. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. (Sup. Ct. Aug. 29, 2008). For a detailed discussion of the case, read Jeffrey D. Neuburger's post at Mediashift. Since the court limited its ruling to the particular facts of the case, it left open the possibility of future libel … [Read more...] about Foreign Court Decides Linking To Third Party Content Is Not Libel
Webinar About Online Defamation: “Staying Out of Trouble: A Media Law Primer for Bloggers
Greatest American Lawyer posted about a webinar today that will deal with the issue of online defamation as it relates to blogging and bloggers. If you're a blogger, you should attend the webinar since defamation claims against bloggers have increased dramatically in recent years. I've posted about this subject here and in other posts. The webinar will be presented by Gary … [Read more...] about Webinar About Online Defamation: “Staying Out of Trouble: A Media Law Primer for Bloggers
Overstock Settles Defamation Case With Research Firm
Jennifer Forsyth over at WSJ.com, posted about the Overstock defamation case. Overstock.com sued Gradient Analytics for libel, alleging that Overstock's negative reports drove down Overstock's stock prices. The case recently settled and a press release was issued. This made me question the importance of public statements/retractions in the online defamation context. I mean, … [Read more...] about Overstock Settles Defamation Case With Research Firm
Haneline Pacific Reporters, LLC v. May, et al. – “Litigation Privilege” Doesn’t Apply to Negotiation/Persuasion
You may be wondering why I write about anti-SLAPP cases so much. Well, the fact of the matter is that defamation actions are to anti-slapp motions what peanut butter is to jelly. You rarely have one without the other. In Haneline Pacific Reporters, LLC v. May, et al., __ Cal.App.4th __ (4th District, Division 3, October 1, 2008), the court of appeal determined that the … [Read more...] about Haneline Pacific Reporters, LLC v. May, et al. – “Litigation Privilege” Doesn’t Apply to Negotiation/Persuasion