RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has initiated a legal maneuver to transfer his defamation lawsuit from federal court back to the state jurisdiction, intensifying his legal battle with CNN. The lawsuit, which originated in the Superior Court of Wake County, centers around controversial allegations linked to Robinson’s purported activities and comments on an internet forum.
Robinson’s legal representatives argue that CNN did not adequately meet the procedural requirements for transferring the case to the District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. They claim that the network failed to secure the “unambiguous consent” of co-defendant Louis Love Money, a former employee at a pornography store, who was also implicated in the lawsuit. The attorneys further contend that CNN did not justifiably combine claims against Money and the media giant into a single case.
According to the motion filed by Robinson’s team, the network’s notice of removal to federal court was “woefully insufficient,” also citing “procedural deficiency” and accusing CNN of neglecting critical legal precedents regarding fraudulent joinder. The claim pivots on the argument that Money was only included in the lawsuit to prevent its removal to a federal jurisdiction, where different procedural laws could apply.
Robinson is pushing for the lawsuit to revert to state court and has requested CNN cover his legal expenses incurred during the dispute over the case’s jurisdiction. If the transfer occurs, it will not only shift the legal proceedings back to a more local level but could influence the strategies both parties employ moving forward.
CNN’s initial removal notice argued that Robinson could not justifiably link his claims against them with those against Money, as the network has no affiliation with him. They asserted that any allegations involving Money were initially reported by The Assembly, a separate entity entirely.
Central to the defamation suit are reports alleging Robinson’s frequent visits to a Greensboro pornography store and his participation in the pornographic forum Nude Africa. The reports included accusations under the username “minisoldr,” purportedly used by Robinson, containing derogatory remarks and questionable conduct.
Robinson has staunchly denied ownership of the account and labeled the report as defamation under the “actual malice” standard, indicating that CNN made false statements with reckless disregard for the truth. Following the publication of these allegations, the lieutenant governor saw significant consequences in his political campaign, leading to the resignation of his campaign leadership and a decline in his poll numbers.
Adding a peculiar twist to the story, during a Google Meet session with the Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, Robinson reportedly used the username “minisoldr,” which has been associated with the controversial claims against him.
The legal proceedings’ outcome will determine where the lawsuit regarding CNN’s provocative coverage will be settled, shaping not just the future of this specific case but potentially setting precedents for how high-profile defamation suits are handled in relation to media outlets.
As this story unfolds, it is essential to consider the complexities of legal jurisdiction and the significant impact media reports can have on public figures’ careers. The integrity of the judicial process and the principles of journalistic accountability are both at stake in this unfolding legal drama.
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