Premium Dive #4 - Am I Being Defamed? (Part Two): Navigating Defamation Lawsuits With Lessons From (former) Defendant Mandy Matney, and Plaintiff Buster Murdaugh

As you likely know, we are taking off from COJ and True Sunlight this week to focus on educating students around the Midwest so thank you for understanding and we hope you enjoy this bonus content! In today’s Premium Dive Bonus episode, Attorney Rebecca Lindahl and reporter Sam Berlin discuss the implications of Buster's media interviews and public appearances, which could make him a public figure, complicating his defamation case. They highlight the legal protections for press, such as the Fair Reporting Privilege and Absolute Privilege. Also, Mandy Matney and producer/husband David recount Mandy's defamation lawsuit involving former USC professor, David Voros, criticizing the attorney Bill Padgett for pursuing baseless claims. Mandy shares the emotional and financial toll of the lawsuit, which cost over $33,000 plus all the stress, emotional toll, and havoc it caused. Becky Lindahl advises on handling defamation claims, emphasizing the importance of gathering evidence and seeking legal counsel early. We believe in the importance of anti-SLAPP laws and the need for legal protections against strategic lawsuits aimed at chilling public speech or silencing specific individuals. Special thank you to Rebecca Lindahl for lending her voice to today's show and you can learn more about her and her firm here: Rebecca K. Lindahl Partner and Chair, Commercial Litigation Group Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP https://www.katten.com Join Luna Shark Premium today at Lunashark.Supercast.com. Premium Members also get access to searchable case files, written articles with documents, case photos, episode videos and exclusive live experiences with our hosts on lunasharkmedia.com all in one place. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. And for those just wanting ad-free listening without all the other great content, we now offer ad-free listening on Apple Podcast through a subscription to Luna Shark Plus on the Apple Podcasts App. Or become a Premiere Member on YouTube for exclusive videos and ad-free episodes. Visit our events page Lunasharkmedia.com/events where you can learn about the upcoming in-person and virtual appearances from hosts or submit your own ideas at lunasharkmedia.com/newevents. Or follow @mandy_matney on Instagram for the latest pop-ups. SUNscribe to our free email list to get that special offer for first time members, receive alerts on bonus episodes, calls to action, new shows and updates. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KBMJcP What We're Buying... Hungry Root - https://hungryroot.com/mandy to get 40% off your first delivery and get your free veggies.. Hungry Root is the easiest way to eat healthy. They send you fresh, high-quality groceries, simple, delicious recipes, and essential supplements. Task Rabbit - Use promo code "mandy" at https://www.taskrabbit.com/ for 15% off your task. Task Rabbit connects you with skilled Taskers to help with cleaning, moving, furniture assembly, home repairs, and more. Here's a link to some of our favorite things: https://amzn.to/4cJ0eVn And a special thank you to our other amazing sponsors: Microdose.com, PELOTON, and VUORI. Use promo code "MANDY" for a special offer! *** ALERT: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** For current & accurate updates: TrueSunlight.com facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/ Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPod Twitter.com/mandymatney Twitter.com/elizfarrell youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia tiktok.com/@lunasharkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices