RFK Jr. Libel Case Against Daily Kos Writer Can Proceed, Judge Rules
A Superior Court judge late last week denied a motion to dismiss a lawsuit brought by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. against Daily Kos writer David Vickrey.
The suit alleges Vickrey made false statements about Kennedy that damaged Kennedy’s reputation. Vickrey claimed that Kennedy helped cause the deadly Samoa measles outbreak.
For years, Vickrey repeated the claims on social media, including Daily Kos and Twitter/X, despite being informed that the claims were false.
Kennedy, founder and former chairman of Children’s Health Defense (CHD), is suing for damages. Kennedy is on track to become the next secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In December 2024, Robert Barnes and Terry Mitrenga, two of Kennedy’s attorneys, filed a memo urging the court to deny Vickrey’s motion to dismiss. Barnes called the court’s ruling a “big win.” He told The Defender:
“The court found that repeating lies about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that have been proven false by prior lawsuits is clear evidence of actual malice toward Kennedy. This means anyone who repeats those lies can now also be sued.”
CHD CEO Mary Holland said, “While this long-running case is not over, the Maine Superior Court delivered a remarkable win for plaintiff Robert F. Kennedy Jr.”
Holland added:
“Apparently Vickrey believed he was immune from liability, as he defamed Kennedy for years. Although the standard for proving defamation against a public figure is very high, this decision strongly suggests that Kennedy has more than met it.”
childrenshealthdefense.org
Tom |
