Judge Dismisses $30 Million Defamation Lawsuit Against Tarlov

A New York judge dismissed Tony Bobulinski's $30 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News host Jessica Tarlov, ruling that his claims did not sufficiently demonstrate reputational harm. Tarlov's comments on her show, where she implied that Bobulinski’s legal fees were covered by a Trump Super PAC, were deemed inaccurate but not defamatory, as they did not subject him to public disgrace. Following Bobulinski's legal threat, Tarlov clarified her statement, asserting no evidence connected the payments to his legal fees. The judge noted that the remarks did not meet the legal standard for defamation in a professional context, emphasizing that the statements did not imply conduct incompatible with Bobulinski's profession. As a result of the ruling, Bobulinski was ordered to pay Tarlov's legal fees under New York's anti-SLAPP law, which protects against frivolous lawsuits. Fox News celebrated the ruling as a significant victory, highlighting the court's affirmation of Tarlov's rights to free speech.