Orland Park, IL. (ECWd) –
On August 27, 2015, attorneys for Fox/DuJan filed their response in opposition to Bittman’s motion to dismiss countersuit. It is a good read, so grab a cup of coffee and enjoy.
Counter-defendant Bridget Bittman’s arguments turn the rules governing debate about public issues upside down. In Bittman’s world, a public official is free to sue citizens for voicing an opinion about government policies, as Bittman did here. When one of those citizens, after being dragged into court to defend Bittman’s meritless allegations, brings counterclaims against Bittman to recover for actual damages, Bittman seeks to cloak herself in immunity. Thus, in Bittman’s world, public employees are free to launch malicious defamatory attacks against citizens with no fear of repercussions, while those citizens cannot respond without being slapped with a meritless lawsuit designed to silence criticism.
But we do not live in Bittman’s world. Bittman is not entitled to immunity for her intentionally false and defamatory statements about Fox. The Tort Immunity Act provision governing Bittman’s conduct (Section 2-210) specifically does not immunize intentional misstatements of the kind Fox alleges here. And even if Section 2-201 of the Act were to apply (and it does not), Bittman would not qualify for immunity in any event because her defamatory statements about Fox were not discretionary policy determinations. Likewise, Bittman cannot claim immunity under the common law, since this targeted and unprecedented attack against Fox was outside of the scope of her official duties.
Bittman’s arguments that Fox’s defamation and false light claims fail to state a claim are also without merit. First, in professions such as journalism and writing, a reputation for integrity and honesty is critical to professional success. Bittman’s false statements constituted defamation per se, since the statements painted Fox as a liar and imputed a lack of honesty and credibility. Second, Bittman’s false and defamatory statements about Fox are not subject to a reasonable construction, since in context, the only natural and obvious meaning of the statements was that Fox is a liar. Finally, Fox has adequately pleaded damages to support her claims. Therefore, Bittman’s motion to dismiss should be denied in its entirety.
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3 Comments
Mitch
Posted at 12:25h, 28 AugustWhat a shame, Dujan/Fox won’t allow Kleinman to join their defense. Really hanging him out to dry.
Beelady33
Posted at 10:51h, 05 SeptemberDan Kleinman is in another state. How could he be represented by attorney’s in Chicago? He has a lawyer…a good one from what I hear. You have some weird theories Mitch
SafeLibraries
Posted at 12:00h, 28 AugustReally excellent work by Kirkland and Ellis. I’ve been involved in this SLAPP suit for about ten months now. Briefs like this just go to show how bogus Bridget Bittman’s claims were right from the start and continuing throughout. I really have to wonder about the law firms filing obviously SLAPP suits and motions and offering settlements in exchange for censorship of evidence of homophobia by both the library and the American Library Association. The goal was and is to silence Megan, Kevin, me, not to obtain any real justice. The goal was and is to use the judicial system as a bludgeon to silence opposition, not to obtain any real justice. They don’t want people to hear that the American Library Association promotes child p0rnography in public libraries and that existing laws already in place would require libraries to block porn and child porn. ALA definitely does not want people to know that.