Posted on 04/10/2019 8:48:46 AM PDT by detective
The Washington Post has moved to dismiss a defamation lawsuit brought by Kentucky teenager Nicholas Sandmann, who on Jan. 18 quickly found himself the talk of social media when a group of students at Covington Catholic High School came face-to-face with Native American activists at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial.
When observers saw a video clip of the confrontation, some focused on Sandmann, wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat and sporting a seemingly smug grin while watching Native American elder Nathan Phillips. In one of its first stories about the incident, The Washington Post quoted Phillips as saying he felt "threatened by the teens," that they "swarmed around him" and one of them "blocked my way and wouldn't allow me to retreat."
(Excerpt) Read more at hollywoodreporter.com ...
Notice that the Pest’s article quotes Philips as making the accusation against Sandmann. The fact that Philups SAID those things is just that: a fact. The paper can’t be held liable for quoting a charge made by someone else.
In other words, while Sandmann may have a case for slander against Philips, his case for libel against the Pest is weaker.
That said, it is incumbent on the paper to fairly assess the validity of any slanderous charges before quoting them. Otherwise they can be liable for propagatng the slander.
WP should keep that legal team-those they malign will most appreciative.
I’m sure Mr. L. Lin Wood is very impressed with the Compost’s filing.
Bust Bezos balls
So, the WaPo was really praising the Covington kids and the MAGA message. Who knew?
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