A federal judge in New York has dismissed a $30 million defamation lawsuit filed by Tony Bobulinski against Fox News co-host Jessica Tarlov, ruling in favor of the network personality and ordering Bobulinski to cover her legal expenses.
U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken granted Tarlov’s motion to dismiss the suit on the grounds that it failed to state a valid legal claim. He also awarded attorney’s fees under New York’s anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law, which is designed to protect individuals from frivolous lawsuits intended to silence free speech.
“Before the Court is Tarlov’s motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim and motion for attorney’s fees under New York’s anti-SLAPP law,” Judge Oetken wrote in his decision. “For the reasons that follow, the motion to dismiss is granted. And because the Court concludes that the mandatory fee-shifting provision of New York’s anti-SLAPP law applies in federal court, Tarlov’s motion for attorney’s fees is also granted.”
A Fox News spokesperson responded to the ruling by stating, “FOX News is pleased with the court’s landmark decision, which not only dismissed Tony Bobulinski and Stefan Passantino’s meritless allegations against Jessica Tarlov, but also marks the first federal court decision to award attorney’s fees under New York’s anti-SLAPP statute.”