United States DC Circuit

In a defamation action regarding defendant's statement that plaintiff was involved in "crony companies" associated with former Serbian dictator Slobodan Milosevic, dismissal of the complaint is affirmed in part where plaintiff's claim of intentional interference with a business expectancy failed because he did not identify a specific potential transaction that he lost because of defendant's statements. However, the order is reversed in part where: 1) defendant's statements were not fair or accurate reports of a government document; and 2) a conclusion based on a misstatement of fact was not protected by the fair comment privilege.

Appellate Information

• Argued 11/16/2009
• Decided 01/29/2010
• Published 01/29/2010

Judges

• Before GINSBURG and GRIFFITH, Circuit Judges, and WILLIAMS, Senior Circuit Judge.

Court

• United States DC Circuit

Counsel

• For Appellant:
  
• William T. O'Brien argued the cause for appellant. With him on the briefs were Lisa M. Norrett, John W. Lomas Jr., and Malcolm I. Lewin.


• For Appellees:
  
• Amy L. Neuhardt argued the cause for appellee International Crisis Group. With her on the brief was Jonathan L. Greenblatt. Neil H. Koslowe entered an appearance.