[Alberta's Child]

His days of suing anyone else for defamation are over. For one thing, he has less legal leverage because he’s no longer a minor. Secondly, it’s almost impossible to sue someone for defamation when you’re a public figure — which is exactly what Sandmann became when he gave his convention address the other night.

[chimera]

There are varying opinions on his status as a "public figure". At most, he might be considered an "involuntary limited public figure". He did not seek the media attention after the initial incident. Subsequent interactions in the public arena were a result of the legal process. Many, many people (non-political and so forth) have spoken at political conventions and doing so did not elevate them to the status of public figure.

Even if you classify Sandmann as a public figure, that does not give the despicable media and political rats carte blanche to slander and libel him. While malicious intent is a higher standard to meet, in this case, any fair-minded juror (which may be a challenge to find) would have to conclude that everything the media has said about and done to him has been rooted in malicious intent. There has been absolutely no fair coverage of the initial and subsequent events. The media scumbags have always come after Sandmann with the intent of destroying him, with no regard for the truth. They have admitted as much in public statements. Just bring him what the one media douche bag said about "not giving a flying f--- about his side of the story". Typical foul-mouthed liberal buttwipe. Aren't they just so tolerate and accepting of others (as long as the others agree with them)?

[leftcoaster]

His days of suing anyone else for defamation are over. For one thing, he has less legal leverage because he’s no longer a minor. Secondly, it’s almost impossible to sue someone for defamation when you’re a public figure — which is exactly what Sandmann became when he gave his convention address the other night.

**************************

That is what I thought.

But it may depend on the language in his sealed settlement with CNN. Did Lockhart and others make those statements on CNN? If the agreement included some requirement that CNN not present baseless accusations against Sandmann, even in the context of someone’s “opinion”, CNN could be on the hook for more litigation and exposure.