Defamation

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Book about Defamation Law and gavel.
Book about Defamation Law and gavel.

A new lawsuit filed by Lebohang “Lebo M” Morake, the Grammy‑winning composer behind the iconic opening chant in Disney’s The Lion King, raises important questions about defamation, comedy, and reputational harm. Morake has sued comedian Learnmore “Jonasi” Mwanyenyeka for $27 million, alleging that a joking “translation” of the chant during a podcast appearance damaged his reputation by misrepresenting the meaning of the lyrics to a global audience.

At the center of the dispute is a viral podcast clip

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Continue Reading Defamation or Comedy? Lion King Composer’s Lawsuit Tests the Limits of Reputation Protection

Book about Defamation Law and gavel.
Book about Defamation Law and gavel.

On April 18, 2023, on the eve of trial, Dominion Voting Systems and Fox News Network agreed to settle Dominion’s Delaware defamation lawsuit against Fox News[1] based on statements made on Fox News that Dominion rigged the 2020 U.S. presidential election.[2] It was soon reported that Fox News had agreed to pay Dominion $787.5 million to settle the case.[3]

Everyone has heard the adage, “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt

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Continue Reading Defamation:  Lessons from Dominion v. Fox News

Football Play - Hail Mary Bomb
Football play "HailMary" drawn out on paper on a clipboard. Football and penalty flag in background. Shallow focus on play.

As he so often did during his 15 years as the Green Bay Packers MVP quarterback, Brett Favre has dominated the news cycle during the NFL’s playoff season this year. This time, however, it is for what he is doing in a Mississippi courtroom rather than on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field. After a Mississippi state audit revealed the misuse of money from the state’s welfare program, Favre heaved up three defamation lawsuits against a Mississippi state official…
Continue Reading What First Amendment Hurdles Will Former Packer Brett Favre Face in Defamation Cases?