Derry, NH — A defamation lawsuit concluded with a New Hampshire state legislator agreeing to issue a six-figure settlement and a public apology to two drag performers whom he had falsely accused of criminal and inappropriate behavior. The lawsuit centered around Rep. David Love’s allegations during a 2021 legislative session, which were later admitted to be based on erroneous information.
Local performers Robert Champion, known on stage as Monique Toosoon, and Michael McMahon, whose stage name is Clara Divine, filed the lawsuit against Love in April 2022. This followed public claims by Love, suggesting Champion was a registered sex offender and McMahon had engaged in inappropriate behavior with minors at a public event.
In response to the accusations and subsequent legal action, Love conceded that his statements were without merit, prompted by unverified information. The resolution of the lawsuit saw Champion and McMahon each awarded $100,000 and received a formal apology from Love, reflecting the gravity of the accusations and their impact.
At the time of his accusations, Love was testifying in support of a proposed bill mandating background checks for library staff and volunteers, highlighting his concerns about drag queens participating in library-sponsored events. Although he did not directly name the performers during his testimony, the context made it clear whom he was referring to, according to judicial findings.
Love’s public apology underscored a commitment to accuracy and integrity, stating a regret for not verifying the damaging claims he conveyed to the legislature, which were extensively reported by local media and discussed in town council meetings. His statement aimed to rectify the spread of these false claims and to mend the reputational damage suffered by the performers.
McMahon, 25, expressed profound gratitude towards the community support on social media, highlighting the emotional journey from distress caused by the allegations to the overwhelming support received during the legal battle. The resolution of the case during Pride Month added to the significance of the victory for McMahon.
Champion, 42, commented on the broader implications of the case in terms of accountability, noting the outcome as a reinforcement of personal and public responsibility for public statements, especially those made by individuals in positions of authority.
The incident has sparked discussions on the responsibility of legislators in verifying information before public dissemination, the role of public figures in protecting against defamation, and the mechanisms in place to safeguard community members from baseless accusations.
The settlement and apology in this case underscore the potential consequences of misinformation, particularly when disseminated by individuals in influential roles, and highlight the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities in defending their reputation and ensuring fair treatment under the law.