Goodman

BACKGROUND

On November 7, 2023, Goodman filed an application for a CHRO against Nelson pursuant to section 527.6. According to the application, Goodman and Nelson were at one time close friends. However, the friendship shattered after Nelson believed that Goodman’s minor son molested her (Nelson’s) minor daughter and Goodman got engaged to Nelson’s ex-husband. In late September 2023, Nelson began to make false statements about Goodman’s children and parenting style and also began to make threatening statements towards Goodman, some of which were made through electronic means and social media. More statements and threats followed throughout October and into November 2023, but Nelson’s conduct became intolerable after she learned that Goodman was engaged to her (Nelson’s) ex-husband. On November 8, 2023, the trial court granted Goodman’s application for a CHRO.

“SLAPP” refers to a “ ‘ “strategic lawsuit against public participation,” ’ ” and an “anti-SLAPP motion” refers to the special motion to strike provided by Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16. (Bonni v. St. Joseph Health System (2021) 11 Cal.5th 995, 1007, fn. 1.) All further statutory references are to the…