Attorney Can't Use Anti-Slapp Statute to Block Extortion Claim

Summary

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An attorney whose assertedly protected speech was illegal as a matter of law cannot use the state anti-SLAPP statute to dismiss a complaint alleging extortion, the California Supreme Court has ruled.

A woman alleged that Michael Flatley of "Riverdance" fame raped her in his Las Vegas hotel suite. Her lawyer sent a demand letter and made multiple phone calls threatening to "go public" with the allegations if his client wasn't paid "seven figures." When Flatley refused to pay, the lawyer filed suit, claiming battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

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Extract

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Attorney Can't Use Anti-Slapp Statute to Block Extortion Claim

Flatley then filed a lawsuit against the woman's attorney, alleging extortion, defamation and...

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