August 13th
RUSSO WINS DEFAMATION SUIT AGAINST SNZ
Ellie Russo won her defamation lawsuit against media giant SNZ, a Los Angeles jury decided Monday to the tune of over $3 million. While the popular web-based tabloid has faced numerous defamation suits in the past, this is the first time a jury has decided in favor of the plaintiff.
The smoking gun? An incident in a public park involving Russo and several SNZ-sponsored photographers. In late January earlier this year, Russo testified to having been surrounded and harassed by a group of photographers, one of which physically assaulted Russo. Photographers often act on a freelance basis. However, condemning emails and text messages were presented as evidence to prove that SNZ paid an inside source for information regarding Russo's whereabouts with the intention of defamation.
The ruling comes on the one year anniversary of police pulling Russo from a Los Angeles home, where she was held captive and abused by her abductor for seven years.
Russo's attorney spoke about the verdict in a statement Monday afternoon.
"False, and very harmful allegations were brought against my client Ellie Russo from SNZ for the sake of making a lot of money. SNZ caused more strife and turmoil in a time during my client's life that left her susceptible to these accusations. Her character and integrity were attacked. She is pleased with the decision and now feels she can finally move on with her life in private."
SNZ has declined to comment at this time.
The jury's decision came quickly, which was surprising to many of those involved, considering how turbulent the defamation trial became.
The Los Angeles Times has reached out to several sources close to Russo, but all have declined to comment.
Accusing SNZ's team of "victim blaming, shaming, and tormenting," Russo's attorney argued to the jury that if it ruled in favor of SNZ, they would be sending a disastrous message to sexual and physical violence survivors.
"Imagine telling a survivor that they overreacted. They hit you? Don't worry, it wasn't that often. They assaulted you? Well, you shouldn't have done what you did. They manipulated you into staying? You could have left any time you wanted. They violated what little privacy you have? You should have said something." Her attorney added in the closing statement, "Those statements in and of themselves are abuse, and they should not be tolerated. This is not a case of who hurt who more. It's about believing and protecting survivors, women and men alike. Listen to them. Believe them. Love them."
YOU ARE READING
Anna
General FictionAfter seven years, the girl in the basement has become a ghost to the rest of the world. When she finally escapes, every trace of who she used to be is gone: her home, her family, and even herself. Joe and Tessa Holland are a young wealthy couple wi...
