Judge denies Elon Musk's motion for summary judgment in the British cave diver's defamation lawsuit.
This is set for trial on December 3. I want to highlight two findings here.
This is set for trial on December 3. I want to highlight two findings here.
First, the judge determined as a matter of law that the British cave diver is NOT a limited-purpose public figure.
Musk had argued that plaintiff would have meet the heavy "actual malice" standard for public figures alleging defamation. No dice.
Musk had argued that plaintiff would have meet the heavy "actual malice" standard for public figures alleging defamation. No dice.
Second, the judge leaves it up to the jury to decide if it was reasonably foreseeable that Buzzfeed would publish Musk's comments even though he started his emails with the words "off the record."
Journos will want to keep an eye on this.
Journos will want to keep an eye on this.
