JONATHAN TURLEY: Why defamation suit against Whoopi Goldberg could be piece of cake

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JONATHAN TURLEY: Why defamation suit against Whoopi Goldberg could be piece of cake
Not naming the bakery and saying 'perhaps' won't help in court
 By Jonathan Turley Fox News
Published November 17, 2024 8:47am EST

The ladies of "The View" have long fueled panic politics to support a Democratic hold on power in Washington. That includes dystopian predictions of an American Third Reich if Donald Trump were elected. Much of this hysteria has been fostered by host Whoopi Goldberg, who told ABC viewers how Trump is already committed to being a dictator who will "put you people away … take all the journalists … take all the gay folks … move you all around and disappear you."

Such fear-mongering is the lowest form of political discourse, but neither Goldberg nor ABC is legally liable for dispensing with any journalistic or ethical standards. That may not be the case with regard to Goldberg’s most recent rant targeting a local New York bakery. Some have said that the fact that Goldberg did not name Holtermann’s Bakery means she cannot be sued. That is wrong.

On the program last week, Goldberg portrayed herself as an early victim of the backlash against Trump critics when she was denied an order of Charlotte Russe cakes.

Goldberg stated ominously, "Now, I should tell you, Charlotte Russe has no political leanings, and the place that made these refused to make them for me." With that line, one of the co-hosts, Sara Haines, spit out the cake in her mouth as the other hosts expressed horror.

Goldberg, who wound up getting the cakes after all, continued:

"They said that their ovens had gone down, but folks went and got them anyway, which is why I’m not telling you who made them. It’s not because I’m a woman, but perhaps they did not like my politics. But that’s okay because you know what? Listen, this is my mother’s celebration. Pick these up and celebrate with me and my mom. Thank you, everyone, for celebrating my birthday today."

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https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/jonathan-turley-why-defamation-suit-against-whoopi-goldberg-could-piece-cake

[Wingnut]

I'm  sure the owner  could sue.  But I don't think she will.  Public support  has shifted to her and left fatass  whoopee  looking link the racist pig that she is.

[jafo2010]

Whoopi needs to return to movie making, because she is a clown in the political sphere.  She should be held to some form of standard of truth telling or be subject to slander like anyone else.  She is not a public figure.  Her words are damaging, and I think the bakery owner has the right to sue her for a considerable sum.