I happened to hear this story on the way to work this morning. Maines has been know for saying some controversial things over the past few years. This however has seem to gotten her into a little bit more trouble. I also think the plaintiff, Hobbs has a very good case against her.
"The suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages. Hobbs claims he suffered loss of income, injury to his reputation and emotional distress.
Maines attended a Dec. 19 rally in Little Rock, where she claimed Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols and Jessie Misskelley — known to sympathizers as the "West Memphis Three" — were innocent and that supposed new evidence pointed to Hobbs. Her comments echoed a Nov. 26, 2007, letter that was still on the Dixie Chicks' Web site on Thursday, in which she claimed that new DNA testing of hair from the crime scene linked Hobbs to the killings and that his behavior after the slayings indicated his guilt. The lawsuit says the claim is false.
Hobbs told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in a Feb. 1 interview that his reputation was in tatters and he wanted to clear his name.
"I want people to know I haven't done nothing wrong," Hobbs said. "I want them to hear it from me."" (Associated Press)
You can read the full article on MSNBC at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28061353/
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2 comments:
I have to say that I'm not much of a country music fan but the Dixie Chicks for me is one of the few exceptions. And I love how outspoken Natalie Maines is, but I agree that this time she may have said a little too much. I don't know too much about the WM3 either but I do know that a lot of people think they are innocent. If there is enough evidence questioning their guilt I think they should be retried. DNA and forensic testing has definitely come a long way since 1993 and it's possible that things were missed 15 years ago, but like I said I don't really know much about the case. Although Maines could take her case and if she plays it right use it to prove reasonable doubt that these 3 guys are innocent and that the evidence does point toward the stepfather.
I am unfamiliar with the particulars of this case. But, it was a gruesome act committed on the deceased boys. However, It looks like Hobbs have a good case for libel, except the false comment. Due to the publicity in this case he may not be considered a private figure. He could be a public or limited public figure (which is he will be treated for that controversy), in which the comments can be construed as needed for public concern. It is definitely public concern if he was the mastermind behind these killings. I think Maines has a strong rebuttal with the falsity and degree of false. Because if her attorney(s) can prove that Hobbs is a public figure. It is going to be difficult for them to prove actual malice.
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