Elements of Defamation, Invasion of Privacy and Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress Explained
Plaintiff, an English professor, brought suit for defamation and invasion of privacy based upon two articles in the defendant New York Post and on the websites of two other defendants. In affirming the trial court’s grant of summary judgment to the defendants, the First Department applied the facts of the case to the proof requirements for defamation (finding the statements were not false or were expressions of opinion), “invasion of privacy” pursuant to the NY Civil Rights Law sections 50 and 51 (involving the use of plaintiff’s image), prima facie tort and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The decision briefly but clearly articulates the essential elements of these causes of action and the reasons the elements were not demonstrated. Fleischer v NYP Holdings, Inc., 2013 NY Slip Op 01784, 150164/10, 9557, 1st Dept. 3-19-13