The Associated Press, New York Times, and dozens of international news organizations file amicus briefs in support of LBKM #MeToo client
Mackenna White continues to defend Ms. Maria Grand, a young jazz musician sued for libel in the Eastern District of New York for publicly expressing that she believed her mentor, Steve Coleman, abused his power and position to sexually harass her.
In February, Ms. White secured a summary judgment win for Ms. Grand; Mr. Coleman appealed the decision. Ms. Grand’s case presents the first opportunity for the Second Circuit to determine the reach and application of New York’s anti-SLAPP statute, as amended in November 2020.
On October 13, 2021, the Reporters’ Committee for Freedom of the Press and Cornell Law School First Amendment Clinic filed amicus briefs on behalf of more than thirty news publications and organizations in support of, among other legal issues, the District Court’s finding that Ms. Grand’s #MeToo story is entitled to the protections of the anti-SLAPP laws. The amici include such notable organizations as the Associated Press, the New York Times Company, Cable News Network, Inc. (CNN), CBS Broadcasting, Inc., Hearst, Penguin Random House LLC, Atlantic Monthly Group LLC, Fox Television Stations LLC, and the Media Law Resource Center.