Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton of producing a “defamatory” ad centered on a former patient who was arrested for missing court dates related to unpaid medical debt owed to the Kansas Republican.
In a letter sent to Hamilton, Marshall’s attorneys claimed that the ad released last week by the Kansas Democrat’s campaign contained “false” information and must be taken down.
“We demand that you immediately cease and desist from any further publication, broadcast, distribution, or promotion of the advertisement,” the letter said.
The ad in question features Meischa Zimmerman—a one-time patient of Marshall, a former obstetrician-gynecologist—who was arrested in 2011 after missing a $50 payment.
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Is it defamation if it’s true?
The truth is a 100% defense. It’s only defamation if you KNOWINGLY speak a false statement that is harmful to the reputation. Add to it that public figures have a higher threshold than members of the public to prove defamation.
Literally it’s not, but practically it sometimes is, if you don’t have the money for representation or time to take off work to fight it. This guy is obviously used to using his money to bully people. I’m assuming it’s not going to work in his favor this time.
Looks like Kansas has a strong anti-SLAPP law, so hopefully she’ll be able to get that dismissed pretty quickly.
This is America…it’s defamation if the person calling it defamation has more money. Otherwise it’s just sparkling parody.