Calif. Court Dismisses Defamation Suit Against Movie Studio Employee

LOS ANGELES - A California appellate court has affirmed dismissal of a defamation lawsuit against a movie studio employee who alleged workplace mold and toxin exposure, finding the lawsuit barred by the state's "anti-SLAPP" statute. Lichter, et al. v. Martin, No. B213449 (Calif. Ct. App., 2nd Dist.).

The Second District Court of Appeal on Oct. 7 affirmed a trial court decision to grant a motion to strike claims brought by the owners and managers of Downey Studios, who claimed that the defendant's online postings of medical reports and allegations of wrongdoing were libelous.

The studio is one of several businesses …