“The Flynns’ tweets do not conclusively contradict their factual allegations,” the judge wrote. Jack and Leslie Flynn filed suit against CNN in March, seeking $75 million in damages and claiming that they were defamed by CNN stories and social media postings. Woods’ ruling did not discuss whether Jack and Leslie Flynn should be considered public or private figures. Magistrate Judge Sarah Cave ruled they were private figures, although she suggested the issue might be revisited later in the case. If the Flynns remain classified as private figures, they may only be required to show negligence on CNN’s part.

Source: CNN December 17, 2021 01:15 UTC