Makaeff

ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFF/COUNTER DEFENDANT’S SPECIAL MOTION TO STRIKE DEFENDANT/COUNTERCLAIM-ANT’S DEFAMATION COUNTERCLAIM;

INTRODUCTION

Before the Court is Plaintiff/Counter Defendant Tarla Makaeffs (“Makaeff’) and Defendant/Counterclaimant Trump University, LLC’s (“Trump University”) supplemental briefing regarding Makaeffs special motion to strike Trump University’s counterclaim, (Dkt. No. 14). (Dkt. Nos. 294; 300; 312.) The Court held a hearing on the matter on June 13, 2014. Amber Eck, Esq. and Helen Zeldes, Esq. appeared on behalf of the moving party, defamation Defendant Tarla Makaeff, who was present in court. Nancy Stagg, Esq. and Benjamin Morris, Esq. appeared on behalf of defamation Plaintiff Trump University, LLC. Having considered the Ninth Circuit’s mandate, (Dkt. No. 282), the Parties’ submissions, oral argument by counsel, the applicable law, and for the reasons set forth below, the Court hereby GRANTS Makaeffs special motion to *1004 strike Trump University’s counterclaim. (Dkt. No. 14.)

BACKGROUND

I. Factual History

Between August 2008 and June 2009, Makaeff attended approximately seven real estate investing and finance seminars, workshops, and classes…