Grenier

Defendants and appellants, Tim Taylor and Alex Grenier, challenge the trial court’s denial of their motion to strike the complaint for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress filed by plaintiffs and appellants, Bob Grenier and Gayle Grenier, as a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP) under Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16. The trial court concluded that the alleged defamatory statements concerned an issue of public interest and therefore were entitled to protection under section 425.16. The court further found that Bob was a limited purpose public figure. Bob and Gayle challenge both of these findings. However, the court also determined that Bob and Gayle had met their burden of demonstrating a probability of prevailing on their claims.

The trial court correctly concluded that the alleged defamatory statements concerned an issue of public interest. However, contrary to the trial court’s finding, Bob is not a limited purpose public figure. Further, Bob and Gayle demonstrated a probability of prevailing on their claims. Accordingly, the trial court’s order denying the motion to strike will be affirmed.

BACKGROUND

Bob is the…