Judge dismisses parts of Leah Remini’s Scientology harassment lawsuit
Global News
In a mixed ruling, a U.S. judge struck down significant portions of a lawsuit by actor Leah Remini against the Church of Scientology. The judge allowed other portions to stand.
A judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court on Tuesday dismissed portions of Leah Remini‘s civil defamation and harassment lawsuit against the Church of Scientology, to which the actor formerly belonged.
In a lengthy, mixed ruling, Judge Randolph Hammock struck down significant portions of the lawsuit on the grounds of American First Amendment rights.
In the almost 40-page ruling, which was shared by Deadline, the judge threw out certain defamation claims under California’s anti-SLAPP statute, which protects free speech to do with matters of public interest.
Hammock’s ruling, however, still allowed for Remini’s allegations of stalking, harassment and surveillance by the church to proceed.
In a statement to Global News, the Church of Scientology called the judge’s decision to strike certain portions of the lawsuit a “victory in court against Leah Remini.”
“This is a resounding victory for the Church and free speech — Remini’s complaint was gutted,” the organization wrote.
The church said it will be pursuing lawyer’s fees from Remini, which they are entitled to apply for under the anti-SLAPP statute. Remini can also apply for lawyer’s fees, should she choose to.
Remini has not commented publicly on the mixed ruling.
