#defamation suit

[reasoningdaily]

Georgia election workers settle defamation lawsuit against conservative website - ABC News

Georgia election workers settle defamation lawsuit against conservative website

Two Georgia election workers have reached a settlement in their defamation lawsuit against a Missouri-based website that falsely accused them of fraud in the 2020 presidential election

ByJEFF AMY Associated Press

October 11, 2024, 1:57 PM

ATLANTA -- Two Georgia election workers have reached a settlement in their defamation lawsuit against a Missouri-based conservative website that falsely accused them of fraud in the 2020 presidential election, according to a court filing earlier this week.

The lawsuit against The Gateway Pundit, its owner Jim Hoft and his brother Joe Hoft “has been resolved to the mutual satisfaction of the parties through a fair and reasonable settlement,” lawyers for Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss said Friday.

Monday's filing in St. Louis City Circuit Court didn't give any terms of the settlement, but said actions under the agreement are supposed to be completed by March 29. Both sides asked a judge to postpone the case until then, when they expect to request a dismissal.

Lawyers for Hoft did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Nearly 70 articles cited as defamatory in the lawsuit were no longer available Friday on The Gateway Pundit website, The Associated Press found.

The company that owns The Gateway Pundit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization, but a judge dismissed the case in July, finding the company was solvent and had filed the suit in bad faith in an effort to frustrate the lawsuit by Freeman and Moss.

Freeman and Moss, who were Fulton County election workers, sued over The Gateway Pundit's repeated claims that the mother-and-daughter pair introduced suitcases of illegal ballots while working as ballot counters at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta in November 2020.

Freeman and Moss also sued others, including including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and One America News Network, saying they pushed Donald Trump���s lies about the election being stolen, which led to death threats that made them fear for their lives.

Freeman and Moss are trying to collect a $148 million defamation judgment they won against Giuliani for his false ballot fraud claims.

OAN settled with Freeman and Moss in 2022. It posted a video saying state officials “have concluded that there was no widespread voter fraud by election workers who counted ballots at the State Farm Arena in November 2020. The results of this investigation indicate that Ruby Freeman and Wandrea ‘Shaye’ Moss did not engage in ballot fraud or criminal misconduct while working at State Farm Arena on election night.”

Freeman and Moss were dragged into the spotlight on Dec. 3, 2020, when a representative from Trump’s legal team, Jacki Pick, showed a Georgia Senate committee surveillance video from the room where ballots were counted. Pick said Republican observers were asked to leave and that once they were gone, election workers counted hidden, fraudulent ballots.

Pick didn't name the election workers “but said ‘one of them had the name Ruby across her shirt somewhere,’” the lawsuit said. Later that day, The Gateway Pundit was the first outlet to publish Freeman’s full name, and in a subsequent story also identified Moss, the lawsuit said.

The allegation that “suitcases” of ballots were pulled from under tables away from the eyes of observers was almost immediately debunked. But the Gateway Pundit and the Hofts perpetuated the narrative, publishing and promoting stories after they were aware claims had been disproven, the lawsuit said.

In a phone call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger on Jan. 2, Trump pressed the Republican official to “find” votes for him and mentioned Freeman by name, calling her “a vote scammer, a professional vote scammer and hustler.”

Freeman was a temporary election worker in 2020. Moss has worked for the Fulton County elections department since 2012 and supervised the absentee ballot operation.

As the allegations spread, Freeman received emails, text messages and threatening phone calls, and strangers showed up at her house, the lawsuit said. The FBI concluded on Jan. 6, 2021, that she wasn't safe at home, and she relocated for two months. She abandoned her business selling clothing.

Moss’ teenage son was bombarded with threatening messages after harassers found her old phone number, which he was using, the lawsuit said. Because she previously lived with her grandmother, the lawsuit said, strangers showed up at her grandmother’s house at least twice and tried to enter to make a “citizen’s arrest.”

[gwydionmisha]

Elon Musk's Thermonuclear Defamation Suit Is a Dud

[jwood718]

Dominion’s claims against Fox keep getting better:

Suzanne Scott, chief exec of Fox News complained in multiple e-mails that reporters who were fact checking the assertions of election fraud, and then stating on air that the fraud claims were bogus, needed to be stopped, writes Sam Levine for The Guardian.

(Just to be clear: I have no idea if this is the machine that raised so much ruckus)

“...on 19 November, Scott also complained about a different fact-check on air. ‘I can’t keep defending these reporters who don’t understand our viewers and how to handle stories,’ she wrote.

‘The audience feels like we crapped on [sic] and we have damaged their trust and belief in us’...adding that Fox nation had lost 25,000 subscribers. ‘We can fix this but we cannot smirk at our viewers any longer.’”

Apparently, Fox News also has a group referred to as the “brain room” who found the fraud claims bogus as well, but their saying so didn’t stop on-air commentary that the election was stolen.

Full story

[alabingo]

Aisha Buhari withdraws defamation case against student critic Aminu

Aisha Buhari withdraws defamation case against student critic Aminu

Our reporter/ Nigeria’s First Lady, Aisha Buhari, on Friday withdrew the case against a final-year student of the Federal University, Dutse, Aminu Adamu. Adamu, 24, was arrested by the police in Dutse for allegedly publishing a defamatory statement on his Twitter handle against the First Lady. In the alleged tweet, Adamu, who is studying Environmental Management, posted a picture of the first…

[fantabulisticity]

The new Kesha album Gag Order ABSOLUTELY FUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've been listening to it on repeat the last several days. It's intense and heartbreaking and chaotic and disturbing and wistful and motivating. Listen to it when you have emotional space for it, but definitely listen to it.

[septembersghost]

Okay, I'm sorry, but...have you heard about this new documentary coming out on Amazon Prime? Check this out; they're actually speaking to Nash's "sources" (including Reeca Smith). I'm not really sure what to think about this or how believable it'll be.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsUbNA1v_c4/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng%3D%3D

even worse than this leaning on nash and her questionable "sources," they gave a platform to currie grant, apparently completely unchallenged, which is utterly VILE and speaks to the level of their integrity imho. it's absurd that they'd even include him at all, he is never supposed to speak about priscilla and there's a reason that defamation suit went the way that it did. she's been through more than enough already and this is just...salacious at best and intentionally harmful and aiming to be agitating at worst. if an unauthorized doc can only sink to the lowest sources and includes someone who should never be on record, that tells you everything you need to know about its legitimacy.

[please-picturemeintheweeds]

Too many thoughts too little organization of them BUT something about the ways that we heal from trauma and how we work through the same shit over and over again learning something new about it/ourselves everytime it comes up, and how WCS feels so important to the midnights story (memories feel like weapons, your finger on my hairpin triggers, etc) and the ways that processing and healing from trauma significantly impact relationships and sometimes we find ourselves in situations that we thought we wayyyy better for us because of some important differences but looking back on them they end up having more in common than we ever would have admitted while we’re in it. Idk!!! Just, these things feel related and (not necessarily in an accusatory way towards joe, let’s let her tell the story first) I think we swifties need to be prepared to have serious conversations about trauma and triggers and love bombing and the themes of violence in her work and how difficult it can be to extract yourself from bad situations and and and and and

[viraltrendsspot]

Megan Thee Stallion Sues Blogger Milagro Gramz - Tory Lanez Case

29-year-old rapper Megan Thee Stallion has filed a lawsuit against blogger Milagro Gramz (legally known as Milagro Elizabeth Cooper) in the Southern District of Florida.

[fandomfloozy]

No deadass, I saw the memes before I played the game and when I finally had my playthru I sat there like "that's it??? That's all he needed???"

“oh gale eats all my magic items” “gale is always eating magic items” he eats 3. he eats 3 and then he never eats any again after that

[grandwretch]

lol I think she’s deleted her account already. Or at least I can’t find @starterwifeband on TikTok and I was able to yesterday.

Shocker. Liar called out, disappears. Watch the people who believed this fail to acknowledge this.

I believe the accuser uses they/them pronouns, so let's show them the respect they don't have for others.

Honestly I wouldn't be surprised if Joe's team threatened legal action . I don't think that them deleting is definitive proof they were 100% lying, but considering they had absolutely no proof and their story didn't line up great timeline-wise, I already didn't believe them. Libel and slander or defamation can come w a pretty hefty fine, though, so lack of proof is a good reason to delete. Idk why they would delete their entire account.

What probably happened was that Joe was casual friends with the band, got paid to work some gigs for six months and then split when PA started to do better -- Whether or not they actually fucked his girlfriend and started a fight is up for debate, considering the song they were promoting. The homophobia aspect was probably just to make Joe sound like he deserved to have his girlfriend ""stolen"" and make them seem like the good guy.

It was a bad marketing ploy, one that I have to assume ended in a very threatening call from a lawyer. Or maybe one of their old band mates saw it and told them they were being an asshole.

[usnewsper-politics]

Trump, Giuliani Sued for Defamation by Lawyers #defamation #Giuliani #lawyers #suit #trump

[nemospecific]

It’s been, goodness, almost a decade at this point since I saw it, but I still don’t understand how the blackmailer from season 3 of Sherlock was supposed to work.

Putting all the blackmail material in a mind palace addresses the possibility of someone stealing/destroying the proof, but it also means YOU DON’T HAVE ANY PROOF. It’s your word against theirs! Maybe it can cause scandal socially or politically, and sometimes that’s enough, but without proof it’s just slander.

If blackmailing someone is like threatening them with a jar of nitroglycerin, that you could throw at them if they don’t pay and you will drop it if something happens to you, then this guy was threatening people with the formula of it he’d memorized.

[pucksandpower]

Clickbait

Toto Wolff x Ferrari team principal!Reader

Summary: in which a reporter learns not to mess with the power couple of Formula 1 … the hard way

Based on this request

The bustling newsroom of BusinessF1 magazine hums with activity as Graham Lowell, a junior reporter with more ambition than scruples, hunches over his laptop. His fingers fly across the keyboard, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth as he types out what he believes to be the scoop of the century.

Conflict of Interest in the Pit Lane: Ferrari and Mercedes’ Love Affair

Graham leans back, admiring his handiwork. He’s certain this article will catapult him to journalism stardom. Little does he know, he’s about to learn a harsh lesson in the dangers of sensationalism.

As the article goes live, the Formula 1 world erupts into chaos. Social media platforms light up with speculation and outrage. Within hours, the story spreads like wildfire, reaching the very subjects of its scandalous claims.

In the Ferrari motorhome, you stand before a group of wide-eyed team members, your voice steady despite the storm raging inside you. “I assure you, these allegations are completely false. Our team’s integrity is not, and will never be, compromised.”

Your phone buzzes incessantly in your pocket, but you ignore it. You know who it is, and you know you’ll need to face him soon enough.

Across the paddock, in the sleek confines of the Mercedes garage, Toto Wolff paces like a caged lion. His usually calm demeanor is nowhere to be seen as he barks orders into his phone.

“I want our legal team on this immediately,” he growls. “This is slander, pure and simple. They’ve gone too far this time.”

As the day wears on, the pressure mounts. You find yourself fielding increasingly hostile questions from reporters, their microphones thrust aggressively in your face.

“Is it true that you’ve been passing Ferrari’s secrets to Mercedes?” One shouts.

“How long have you been manipulating race results?” Another demands.

You maintain your composure, but inside, you’re seething. The blatant sexism in their questions is not lost on you. They seem all too eager to believe that a woman in your position must have achieved it through nefarious means.

As you push through the crowd, a familiar voice cuts through the chaos. “That’s enough!” Toto’s commanding tone silences the mob instantly. He strides forward, placing a protective arm around your shoulders.

“My wife and I will be making a statement shortly,” he announces, his steely gaze daring anyone to object. “Until then, I suggest you all refrain from spreading baseless rumors.”

The crowd parts reluctantly, allowing you both to escape to the relative quiet of a nearby hospitality suite. As soon as the door closes behind you, Toto’s fierce expression melts into one of concern.

“Are you alright, liebling?” He asks softly, cupping your face in his hands.

You lean into his touch, allowing yourself a moment of vulnerability. “I’m fine, Toto. Just ... frustrated. They’re so quick to believe the worst of me.”

Toto’s jaw clenches. “It’s disgraceful. But we’ll fight this, together. I promise you, they won’t get away with it.”

A knock at the door interrupts your moment. Toto’s assistant pokes her head in. “Sir, the lawyers are here.”

What follows is a whirlwind of legal jargon and strategy discussions. You listen intently as your shared legal team outlines the plan of attack.

“We’ll issue cease and desist orders to every outlet that’s republished the story,” the head lawyer explains. “And we’ll be filing a defamation lawsuit against BusinessF1 magazine and the reporter responsible.”

Toto nods approvingly. “Good. I want them to feel the full force of our response. This ends now.”

As the lawyers file out, you turn to Toto, a hint of worry in your eyes. “Do you think this will be enough? The damage to my reputation ...”

Toto takes your hands in his, his gaze intense. “We will rebuild it, stronger than ever. I won’t let them tarnish everything you’ve worked for.”

Meanwhile, back at the BusinessF1 office, Graham Lowell is beginning to realize the gravity of his mistake. His editor storms into the bullpen, face red with fury.

“Lowell!” He bellows. “My office, now!”

Graham follows meekly, his earlier bravado evaporating with each step. As he enters the office, he sees his editor isn’t alone. A grim-faced man in an expensive suit stands by the window.

“Sit down,” the editor growls. Graham complies, his legs feeling like jelly.

The man by the window turns, fixing Graham with a steely glare. “Mr. Lowell, I’m representing Mr. and Mrs. Wolff in this matter. I’m here to inform you that you and this publication are being sued for defamation.”

Graham’s mouth goes dry. “But ... but I had a source! They told me-”

“A source you failed to verify,” his editor cuts in. “Did you even attempt to get a comment from either party before publishing?”

Graham’s silence is damning. The lawyer continues, his voice cold and precise. “The damages we’re seeking are substantial. Your reckless journalism has caused significant harm to my clients’ reputations.”

As the full implications of his actions sink in, Graham slumps in his chair. His dreams of journalistic glory crumble before his eyes, replaced by the stark reality of legal consequences.

Outside, the F1 paddock buzzes with new excitement. Word of the impending lawsuit spreads quickly, and suddenly, those who were so quick to believe the scandal are backpedaling furiously.

You and Toto stand united before a sea of cameras, your hands clasped tightly together. Toto speaks first, his voice resonating with controlled anger.

“The allegations made against my wife and me are not only false but malicious,” he states. “We have always maintained the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in our respective roles.”

You step forward, your head held high. “I’ve worked tirelessly to earn my position as Team Principal at Scuderia Ferrari. To suggest that my success is due to anything other than my own merit is not only insulting to me but to every woman fighting to make her mark in this sport.”

The press conference continues, with you and Toto presenting a united front against the baseless accusations. As you field questions, you can see the tide of public opinion beginning to turn.

Later that evening, in the privacy of your hotel suite, you finally allow yourself to relax. Toto wraps you in a warm embrace, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead.

“You were magnificent today,” he murmurs. “I’m so proud of you.”

You smile up at him, feeling the tension of the day start to melt away. “We make a good team, don’t we?”

Toto chuckles, a mischievous glint in his eye. “The best. Although, I must say, I’m almost disappointed we don’t actually have any juicy secrets to share. It might make things more exciting.”

You playfully swat his arm, laughing despite yourself. “I think we have enough excitement in our lives, thank you very much.”

As you settle into each other’s arms, you know that whatever challenges come your way, you’ll face them together. The storm may rage outside, but in here, in this moment, all is calm.

And somewhere across the continent, in a small, cluttered apartment, Graham Lowell stares at his laptop screen, watching his career and reputation crumble in real-time.

Social media is ablaze with backlash against him and support for you and Toto. As he scrolls through the endless comments condemning his shoddy journalism, one thought echoes in his mind.

“I am so, so screwed.”

[fingertipsmp3]

Did something toxic and now I feel bad