Beruan

This is an action for invasion of privacy. Plaintiff appeals from a summary judgment in favor of defendants.

Plaintiff was president of Automotive Lodge No. 1186 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and was a candidate for secretary-treasurer in the union’s December 1970 election. During the campaign defendants French and Crago distributed a letter in opposition to plaintiff’s candidacy. The letter exposed the fact that between 1943 and 1958 plaintiff suffered six criminal convictions for rape, conversion, forgery, impersonating a naval officer, and bigamy, and served various terms in prison. It is admitted that the facts stated in the letter concerning plaintiff’s criminal record are true. Plaintiff was defeated in the election for secretary-treasurer.

Plaintiff brought this action for invasion of privácy, alleging that since the last criminal incident he had led a virtuous life, had become rehabilitated, had lived a quiet life avoiding the curiosity of the public, and had gained the respect of friends, associates and co-workers who were not aware of the criminal incidents. He alleged that defendants wrongfully and maliciously sought to…