United States Fifth Circuit

Because television broadcast did not create a false impression of plaintiff's actions, and the statements reported revealed only the opinion of the speaker, plaintiffs failed to show that any genuine issue of material fact existed as to the truth of the allegedly defamatory statements; invasion of privacy claim also rejected because sexual assault charge made by plaintiffs was well known in the community and was discussed in open court during divorce proceedings, thus, broadcast did not publicize any private facts.

Appellate Information

• Decided 04/03/2002
• Published 04/03/2002

Judges

• EMILIO M. GARZA, Circuit Judge:, Before JONES, EMILIO M. GARZA and STEWART, Circuit Judges.

Court

• United States Fifth Circuit

Counsel

• For Appellant:
  
• Sandra Bowers Self,Law Offices of Sandy Self, Abilene, TX, Sheryl G. Rasmus (argued), Austin, TX, for Plaintiffs-Appellants.


• For Appellees:
  
• Thomas S. Leatherbury (argued), Michael L. Raiff, Daniel Anthony Petalas, Vinson & Elkins, Dallas, TX, for Defendants-Appellees.