Summary
Author Michael Wolff has filed a lawsuit against First Lady Melania Trump after her legal team threatened to sue him for $1 billion over allegedly defamatory comments connecting her to Jeffrey Epstein. Wolff seeks a court ruling stating he did not defame Mrs. Trump and seeks protection under New York's anti-SLAPP laws, which aim to prevent the use of lawsuits to intimidate free speech.
Key Facts
- Michael Wolff has written several books about President Trump.
- First Lady Melania Trump's team threatened Wolff with a $1 billion lawsuit for alleged defamation.
- Wolff claims the lawsuit threat is meant to silence critical speech using costly legal fees.
- SLAPP suits are designed to intimidate critics by threatening them with expensive legal battles.
- Wolff filed his lawsuit in New York because it has stronger anti-SLAPP laws than Florida.
- The lawsuit involves 11 statements that the First Lady's team claims are defamatory.
- Wolff argues his statements are either misrepresented or protected opinions.
- Melania Trump is reportedly fighting what she sees as false and malicious statements.
