CNN’s recent defamation lawsuit, resulting in a verdict against the network, centers around a US Navy veteran, who assisted in evacuating individuals from Afghanistan. The network initially stood by its reporting, but later expressed regret for using the term “black market” to describe the veteran’s work. This retraction, however, doesn’t negate the damage inflicted.
The core issue wasn’t whether the veteran was involved in evacuations—that much is undisputed. The problem arose from CNN’s labeling of his efforts as operating within a “black market,” a term implying illegal activity. This characterization significantly harmed his reputation and professional prospects, despite the fact that his actions, while perhaps ethically questionable, may not have been technically illegal.… Continue reading
Drake is suing Universal Music Group (UMG) for defamation and harassment stemming from Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us,” which falsely accused Drake of being a pedophile. The lawsuit alleges UMG prioritized profit over artist safety, citing the song’s defamatory lyrics and artwork depicting Drake’s home marked like a registered sex offender’s residence, potentially inciting a shooting at his property. This action follows the withdrawal of a separate lawsuit against UMG and Spotify alleging stream manipulation of “Not Like Us.” UMG has yet to respond to the defamation claims.
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Alec Baldwin filed a civil lawsuit against special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, and Santa Fe County Sheriff’s investigators for malicious prosecution, civil rights violations, and defamation stemming from the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the set of “Rust.” The suit alleges intentional mishandling of evidence and scapegoating Baldwin to deflect blame from others. Following the dismissal of involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin, this action seeks to hold defendants accountable for their actions and prevent similar abuses of power. Baldwin claims the defendants pursued personal or political gain rather than justice, violating his rights.
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Judge Lewis J. Liman held Rudy Giuliani in contempt of court for failing to comply with orders to provide information related to a $148 million defamation judgment. Giuliani’s insufficient disclosure of assets, including incomplete lists of doctors and other service providers, led the judge to exclude certain testimony and draw inferences from the missing evidence. This non-compliance stemmed from Giuliani’s claims that requests were overly broad and a “trap,” a justification the judge rejected. The ruling impacts a trial concerning Giuliani’s Florida condominium, with sanctions potentially impacting his ability to retain the property.
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Federal Judge Lewis Liman held Rudy Giuliani in contempt of court for failing to comply with orders to provide information to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, two Georgia election workers he defamed. Giuliani’s noncompliance, deemed willful by the judge, involved delaying the transfer of assets, including a Mercedes and numerous valuables, despite prior court orders. These sanctions come amidst ongoing efforts by Freeman and Moss to collect a $150 million judgement against Giuliani. The judge’s ruling limits Giuliani’s defense arguments, potentially impacting his upcoming trial to retain ownership of his Florida condo.
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Rudy Giuliani faced a seven-hour contempt hearing regarding his failure to fully comply with a court order to turn over assets to compensate two women he defamed. Giuliani claimed he didn’t intentionally withhold information, citing memory issues and a desire to protect sentimental items like his grandfather’s pocket watch. However, inconsistencies emerged regarding his asset declarations, including missing items from his apartment and conflicting accounts about the location of a signed Joe DiMaggio jersey. The judge deemed Giuliani in violation of the court order, and further hearings are scheduled to determine sanctions and the surrender of additional assets.
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The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the soon-to-be President’s appeal, finding no errors in the lower court’s rulings. The court determined the appellant failed to demonstrate any prejudicial error impacting his substantial rights. Consequently, a new trial was deemed unwarranted. The ruling emphasizes the insufficient evidence presented to overturn the lower court’s decisions.
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A federal appeals court upheld a jury’s finding that Donald Trump is liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll, affirming the $5 million damages award. Trump plans to appeal this decision, as well as a separate $83.3 million defamation verdict, potentially delaying Carroll’s receipt of the funds well into next year. The appeals process could involve an en banc review by the Second Circuit and ultimately, a petition to the Supreme Court. The court’s decision rejected Trump’s arguments against the admissibility of key evidence, including the “Access Hollywood” tape and testimony from other women who accused him of similar misconduct.
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A federal appeals court upheld a lower court’s ruling against Donald Trump, rejecting his appeal of a jury verdict finding him liable for sexually abusing and defaming E. Jean Carroll. The court dismissed Trump’s arguments that the inclusion of testimony from other women who accused him of sexual misconduct and his own statements on the Access Hollywood tape were erroneous. The judges affirmed the jury’s assessment of the facts, stating that even if some evidentiary rulings were flawed, they did not affect Trump’s substantial rights. Trump’s repeated denials and accusations against Carroll were deemed irrelevant to the court’s decision.
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Trump loses appeal of E. Jean Carroll’s $5 million defamation verdict. The Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan upheld the verdict, rejecting Trump’s arguments for dismissal. This decision solidifies Carroll’s win, awarding her $5 million in damages for sexual abuse and defamation stemming from a 1996 incident and a subsequent Truth Social post.
The original verdict stemmed from Carroll’s accusation of rape in a Bergdorf Goodman dressing room. While the jury didn’t find Trump guilty of rape, they did find him liable for sexual assault and defamation. This ruling followed an earlier verdict against Trump, ordering him to pay Carroll $83.3 million for defamation relating to a separate statement denying her claims.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker