The defamation lawsuit against John Oliver brought by coal baron Robert Murray has been dismissed by a West Virginia court. The lawsuit was brought after John Oliver's segment about Coal that heavily criticized Robert Murray and his company. The court accepted HBOs motions to dismiss the case on the basis that Oliver's statements were protected by the 1st Amendment and that Murray had failed to state a for defamation
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/john-oliver-hbo-beat-coal-executives-defamation-lawsuit-1088133
Robert Murray, Murray Energy and other associated coal companies sued both the network and Oliver in June, arguing the host created a "villainous" portrait of the coal baron.
The original segment criticized the company's practices regarding the safety and health of its employees, described Murray as a "geriatric Dr. Evil" and featured a man dressed as a squirrel who proclaimed "Eat shit, Bob." The lawsuit prompted a second segment in which Oliver told viewers about the litigation.
The case was remanded to West Virginia state court where HBO and Partially Important Productions submitted two motions asking the judge to dismiss the matter, one arguing that the challenged statements are protected by the First Amendment and another that the court lacked jurisdiction.
Judge Jeffrey Cramer agreed, and on Wednesday sent a brief letter to the attorneys notifying them of his decision to grant dismissal.
"I find the arguments set forth in the Defendants' Motion to Dismiss for Failure to State a Claim and Reply well-founded, appropriate in this matter and will grant the same," writes Cramer. "The Court adopts, with little exception, Defendants' argument in support of their Motion regarding all issues addressed in the same."
I guess Murray will have to wait until his buddy President Trump starts loosening up those libel laws
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