Anti-SLAPP Dismissal Already Gutted Part of Case
Earlier in the proceedings, Superior Court Judge Ronald Frank already dismissed parts of the lawsuit under California’s anti-SLAPP statute, a law designed to protect individuals from meritless lawsuits that chill free speech. Specifically, the judge tossed the plaintiff’s claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress related to statements in Tyler’s published memoirs—deeming them protected First Amendment activity.
What Remains—and What’s at Stake
Now, Tyler’s team is asking the court to throw out what’s left. If the judge declines to dismiss the entire action, the defense wants the case trimmed to the single California-based allegation, and to eliminate any revived claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress.
A hearing on Tyler’s motion is scheduled for August 28. The outcome will determine whether the case ends for good, proceeds on a narrowed basis, or sets the stage for a trial that could force Tyler to defend his decades-old relationship in open court.
