Paul Hupp v. Keith Jones

MEMORANDUM

Paul Hupp appeals pro se from the district court’s default judgment in his diversity action alleging defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress under California law. We have jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1291 . We review for an abuse of discretion. Speiser, Krause & Madole, P.C. v. Ortiz, 271 F.3d 884, 886 (9th Cir.2001) (entry of default judgment); Odima v. Westin Tucson Hotel, 53 F.3d 1484, 1495 (9th Cir.1995) (damages award). We affirm.

The district court did not abuse its discretion in declining to enter default judgment with respect to Hupp’s invasion of privacy claim because Hupp failed to establish that he pled a viable claim. See Eitel v. McCool, 782 F.2d 1470, 1471-72 (9th Cir.1986) (setting forth factors for district court to consider in exercising discretion to. enter default judgment); Aldabe v. Aldabe, 616 F.2d 1089, 1092-93 (9th Cir.1980) (per curiam) (district court does not abuse its discretion in denying default judgment with respect to claim that lacks merit); Folgelstrom v. Lamps Plus, Inc., 195 Cal.App.4th 986 , 125 Cal.Rptr.3d 260, 265 (2011) (discussing requirements for an invasion of privacy claim and…