
Welcome to SLANDERTOWN - a blog and podcast devoted to First Amendment slugfests. No beef too small, no lawsuit too petty.
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The New York Times Is Spending Millions To Fight AI. Will It Be Worth It?
While their rival outlets cut deals, The New York Times spent $10.8 million on litigation costs against AI companies in 2024 alone. 14 months after their initial Complaint and still months away from any potential trial, it seems like they’re willing to spend much more than that.
Associated Press Has a Strong Case Against White House Press Ban
Is there a First Amendment right to attend White House press briefings? If so, the Associated Press has a strong case against the Trump administration.
by Mackenzie Shane
Library Libel: The Fight To Convince a Court That “Groomer” Is Defamatory
A First Amendment smackdown between library hero Amanda Jones and Dan Kleinman, a self-styled “library watchdog” who called her a "groomer."
by Claire Kuo
Certified Libel Boy: Drake vs Universal
You know how rap battles go. One diss begets another. Winner gets bragging rights and crowds singing along to their song. Loser gets clowned on the internet and retains expensive lawyers.
by Ojasvinee Singh
Two-Sport Athlete: Hockey Player turned Phallic Graffiti Artist Gets His Day in Court
There’s antisemitism, and then there’s Nazism. At least that’s what one court recently concluded.
By Ojasvinee Singh
It Ends with Everybody Suing Everybody: Justin Baldoni’s Libel Claim Against the New York Times
It Ends with Us, a film based on the novel of the same name by Colleen Hoover, premiered in August 2024 to commercial success. However, the more interesting drama, especially for sicko lawyers defamation aficionados, happened behind the scenes.
By Christina Lee
Pour Decisions: Is Reality TV Peer Pressure Protected by the First Amendment?
In the realm of reality TV, drama is par for the course—both on and offscreen. A recent lawsuit filed by former Real Housewife Leah McSweeney brought an unexpected twist: suing for disability discrimination, hostile work environment, and retaliation.
By Angelika Avagian
Vibe Libel: Court Shushes Quiet On Set’s Motion to Dismiss
Is there such a thing as defamation by vibes? A Los Angeles court is allowing disgraced Nickelodeon television producer Dan Schneider to establish that smoke always implies fire.
By Christina Lee
Influencer vs. Influencer: Who Owns BeigeTok?
Can social media influencers copyright an aesthetic? TikTok socialite Sydney Nicole Gifford thinks so — and so might the US District Court for the Western District of Texas.
By Matt Kristoffersen
9-year-old NFL Fan Becomes Political Football: Court Spikes Deadspin’s Motion to Dismiss “Blackface” Lawsuit
What percent of a nine-year-old’s face can be covered in black paint before it is objectively “blackface?” Is double racism twice as bad as regular?
By Ojasvinee Singh
Why Are Platforms Erasing Luigi Mangione’s Social Media History? An Interview with Ken Klippenstein
There is no ‘Poster’s Bill of Rights.’ But law aside, is suppressing information about him online beneficial to the public as a matter of policy?
By Angela Chung
Could There Be a Free Speech Claim For Man Who Painted Circles Around Potholes?
After Gregory Strole demonstrated his frustration with unfilled potholes by spray painting them, his town arrested him.
By Jack Greiner
Undisputed Facts Sack Brett Favre’s Lawsuit Against Shannon Sharpe
Former NFL Quarterback Brett Favre just learned the hard way that free speech, like football, is a full-contact support.
By Isabella Jurcisin
ESPN’s TikTok Fumble Clips Devin Singletary’s Reputation
After a misleading ESPNBET post suggested he intentionally sabotaged gamblers’ wager, some suggested that NFL running back Devin Singletary should sue for defamation.
By Andrew Hickey
The Central Park Five Sue Trump
If a tree fell in the woods and everyone heard it, can it defame someone thirty years later?
By Angela Chung
Trump vs. Carroll: Headed for a Trilogy?
When a jury hits you for a $5 million defamation verdict, the conventional wisdom is to shut up. Not so for Donald Trump.
By Angela Chung