AMANDA JONES V. CITIZENS FOR NEW LOUISIANA MICHAEL LUNSFORD AND RYAN THAMES (2024)

I agree the appeal of this matter should be considered on the merits.

Footnote #1 of the appellate opinion (387 So.3d at 5) contains some very specific allegations. If defendants can prove that plaintiff did the things they claim, then the truth is a defense. If they cannot, they have defamed the plaintiff. Defendants have publicly stated that plaintiff, “promot[ed] pornography and erotic contents [sic] to kids” and “advocat[ed] teaching anal sex to 11 year olds.” If plaintiff did not do these acts, she cannot prove a negative. The burden will be on defendants to prove that plaintiff did in fact do the acts they have publicly accused her of.

Hughes, J., concurs.