United States Sixth Circuit

Allegations in a complaint arising from an employment supervisor's criticism did not state a claim for defamation per se under Kentucky law, as the words were not the functional equivalent of an accusation of unfitness, incompetence or lack of qualification.

Appellate Information

• Argued 04/14/2003
• Decided 05/12/2003
• Published 05/12/2003

Judges

• Before SILER, GILMAN, and GIBBONS, Circuit Judges.

Court

• United States Sixth Circuit

Counsel

• For Appellant:
  
• Philip C. Kimball (argued and briefed), Louisville, KY, Samuel G. Hayward (briefed), Adams, Hayward & Welsh, Louisville, KY, for Plaintiff-Appellant.


• For Appellees:
  
• J. Michael Brown (briefed), Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, Louisville, KY, Carey P. Dedeyn, Lisa C. Jern (briefed), Allegra J. Lawrence (argued and briefed), Sutherland, Asbill & Brennan, Atlanta, GA, for Defendant-Appellee.