Defense Verdict in Defamation Case Claiming Emotional Distress Seeking Punitive Damages

July 3, 2014

A Santa Monica jury returned a defense verdict in a defamation case handled by Joseph Kang for a prominent Southern California Pastor.

In the case, the plaintiff claimed that the defendant made slanderous statements about the plaintiff having an affair and manipulated the plaintiff's wife to file for divorce. The defendant denied making any such statements and denied any involvement in the plaintiff's wife filing for divorce. The plaintiff claimed intentional infliction of emotional distress seeking punitive damages.

The jury returned a 12-0 verdict for the defense, deliberating less than 10 minutes.