Hate to see it’: LIV Golf villain’s bonkers $1.2bn lawsuit backfires… and the reaction is brutal
Hate to see: Golf scoundrel LIV’s $1.2 billion lawsuit backfires … and the backlash has been harsh.
An attempt to sue several US media outlets and golf reporters in a $750 million defamation suit has been spectacular, with LIV star Patrick Reed ordered to pay legal costs to the defendants. Reid, along with Associated Press reporters Doug Ferguson, Eamon Lynch and Damon Hack and Golf Channel commentators Brendel Chamblee and Damon Hack, filed a surprise damages claim against Gannett and Golfweek.
At the heart of Reed’s case were allegations that the Golf Channel and PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan tried to disparage the 33-year-old Texan “since he was 23” and that his decisions led to a escalation of attacks. To join LIV Golf. Patrick Reed’s attempt to sue several US media outlets and golf journalists for $750 million (A$1.2 billion) for defamation has been thwarted.
Patrick Reed’s attempt to sue several US media outlets and golf journalists for $750 million (A$1.2 billion) for defamation has been thwarted. Source: Getty Images
Reed’s legal team claimed that he “lost millions of dollars in sponsorship deals due to lasting harm.”
They were charged with “reckless misrepresentation and/or disregard of the truth, i.e., actual and constitutional malice, intentional omission of relevant material facts to mislead the public, and actively (taking Reed) defamation and hatred.” “He was indicted on allegations of and hostile work environment for him.”
The trial has been postponed twice, most recently in September. But in a further legal blow, Reid was told he will now have to pay the defendant’s legal fees and other costs.
A federal judge in Jacksonville ruled Friday that Reed’s lawsuit was frivolous and aimed at suppressing free speech, multiple US media reported. Judge Timothy Corrigan said: “Reid does not meet the actual malice requirement to hold the press liable for defamation.
“While Reed is upset by the negative media coverage (some of which is exaggerated), Reed cannot sue for defamation under Florida law and the First Amendment, and his actions should be dismissed.”
Reed’s attorney, Larry Klyman, issued a strong statement about the ruling, saying he would appeal and that “justice will be served.” “The dishonest and unethical fake golf media that the PGA Tour relies on must be held accountable for their hurtful and malicious efforts to target Mr. Reed for clicks and profits. It is a means of destruction,” the statement said. statement.
“Please continue to watch. “This fight is not over yet.”
It’s unclear how much Reed will have to pay the defendants.
A federal judge in Jacksonville ruled Friday that Reed’s lawsuit to suppress free speech was without merit. Despite this, reaction to the announcement about Reid, who tried to cheat on the PGA Tour several times before moving to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League, was negative.
“Patrick Reid lost the case badly. “You won’t want to see it.” The Fore Play podcast reported the news.
“Play stupid games, win stupid prizes,” added Dan Rapaport, host of the Fore Play podcast.
Chamblee, one of the defendants, did not miss the opportunity to defeat Reed. “To be fair, he took bribes and now works for someone who doesn’t allow free speech. I can see how Reed would fall into this trap,” Chamblee X wrote.
Reed is also known as a serial blocker of X users who criticize him on social media platforms.
