Former George Mason University law professor Joshua Wright, is reportedly caught in a defamation lawsuit, as he is seeking $108 million in damages against two women who accused him of sexual misconduct.
According to the women in question, their allegations are protected by a state law that defends speech on matters of public concern. They are now aiming to have his suit dismissed, based on this often invoked legal protection.
Wright, however, seems to be proceeding on the basis that their accusations have unfairly harmed his reputation and caused significant damages. The sizeable sum he’s seeking reflects the gravity with which he views this defamation.
With both parties firmly standing their ground, the case seems likely to offer fresh insights into how defamation claims interact with speech protections. As with all such complex legal issues, there’s no telling which way the scales of justice might tip until a final judgement is made. For further details on the precise legal arguments being deployed and updates on how the case evolves, Law360 is actively covering this story.