Wornick

ORDER GRANTING DEFENDANTS’ ANTI-SLAPP MOTIONS

I. Overview

Plaintiff Metabolife International, Inc. (“Metabolife”) claims that, when Defendants made statements as part of a television news broadcast addressing the safety of Plaintiffs product, Metabolife 356, they committed defamation, slander, trade libel, and intentional and negligent interference with prospective economic advantage. Responding to these allegations, Defendants have filed motions (1) to dismiss the complaint under California Code of Civil Procedure § 425.16 (the “anti-SLAPP statute”), (2) to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction, and (3) to dismiss for improper venue or, alternatively to transfer venue. At Defendants’ requests, this order addresses only the motions to dismiss under California’s anti-SLAPP statute. For the reasons set forth herein, the Court grants Defendants’ anti-SLAPP motions and strikes Metabolife’s complaint in its entirety.

II. Background

Metabolife is a California corporation that manufactures and distributes herbal dietary supplements. The company’s primary product is “Metabolife 356,” a dietary supplement designed to promote weight loss and boost energy. Metabolife 356 is “the best…