Judge clears way for Condit libel suit

www.modbee.com ^ | July 10, 2002 Posted: 08:53:00 PM PDT | BRIAN MELLEY

[Pistacio]

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - The wife of Rep. Gary Condit can pursue her $10 million defamation suit against the National Enquirer over a headline that said she attacked Chandra Levy, a judge ruled Wednesday.U.S. District Judge Oliver Wanger rejected the tabloid's arguments to dismiss Carolyn Condit's lawsuit. The story was published last summer after the former Washington intern vanished.The Enquirer published headlines on its Web site in July and on its Aug. 7 front page that said: "Cops: Condit's Wife Attacked Chandra."The publication reported that Carolyn Condit called her husband's Washington condominium from her home and "flew into a rage" during a "heated phone screamfest" with Levy. The story, based on an unidentified source, said the confrontation occurred just before Levy vanished.Carolyn Condit said she never met Levy or spoke with her. Washington police have said there was no truth to the report.In his 52-page decision, the judge said the headlines could be interpreted to mean that Condit physically attacked Levy. He rejected the Enquirer's claim that the statements were not defamatory, but said a jury would have to decide.

[chiefqc]

This POS. condit, should be in a jaail cell with bruno.

Bruno is looking for a new sex toy to play with, and condit is just what bruno is looking for. He likes the wierd type of sex and bruno said that he could supply all the wierd sex condit wanted.

[genefromjersey]

Excellent decision !

[aristeides]

Methinks the Condits are fishing for a lucrative settlement to support their years in retirement.

[Fred Mertz]

Do you think the NE was fed disinfo for that story? I can't imagine why they'd report on it without some sort of 'credible' source backing it up.

[aristeides]

I thought the Enquirer had learned to be careful after a couple of libel suits in the early 90's. Even if this story is totally false, I find it hard to believe a jury would come down hard on the Enquirer. They might find for Mrs. Condit, but award her a ridiculously small amount of money. After all, the judge has now left it up to the jury to determine whether she has suffered any damage at all.

[Betty Jo]

Danger! Danger!

Does this mean the little wife has to get on a witness stand?

Under oath?

Uh-oh!

Coudn't a lawyer fresh out of law school ask some really good questions?

Some how I don't think it's going to be as simple as "Did you speak to Chandra Levy?

[Plummz]

New issue of the Enquirer has a story claiming Chandra was killed in Rock Creek after a tryst by a lover and an accomplice. Pertinent purported new facts offered:
1. Panties hung daintily on a tree branch.
2. Walman carefully placed on rock.
3. Her lipstick nearby.
4. She was hogtied (which takes two perps)
5. Grand jury has heard from Mike Lynch.
6. Grand jury has heard from ex-staffer Randy Groves.

All from unnamed LE sources.

[aristeides]

I don't recognize the name of Randy Groves. Have we heard of him before?

[Plummz]

I haven't. IIRC, he was IDed as an ex-press secretary.

[Betty Jo]

Thanks for the new magazine news. I googled Groves,and a quote from him is "We love this guy".

So, his press sec and fellow staffers love him.(Condit)

But in the morning who will respect who?

Is the article saying that "Love" was made in the park by Condit and another guy with Levy?

Why would it take two guys to "hogtie" someone?

[Saundra Duffy]

This is their new way of making a living. By the way, if it hadn't been for the Fresno/Central Valley Chapter of FreeRepublic.com, condidit would have skated! For victory & freedom!!!

[mewzilla]

I have one word for the enabling Mrs. Condidit: Discovery...

[Plummz]

Is the article saying that "Love" was made in the park by Condit and another guy with Levy?

No, the speculation in the article ios the other guy waited in a car for a few minutes, then joined them for the murder.