Redskins owner Dan Snyder filed a $2 million lawsuit Wednesday against the parent company of the Washington City Paper. The suit stems from an article written by City Paper reporter Dave McKenna in November.
In the lawsuit filed in New York, Snyder says that the City Paper has "engaged in an ongoing campaign" to "smear his business and personal reputation," has published more than 50 columns in which he "was the subject of derision, ridicule and/or vilification," and that the November cover story on him "featured an anti-Semitic depiction of Mr. Snyder with horns on his head, bushy eyebrows, and surrounded by dollar signs." The lawsuit claims that the article contained "numerous outrageous, false and defamatory statements of and concerning" Snyder.
"Simply put, no reasonable person would accept the publication of these types of false, malicious, and/or defamatory statements about them or their spouses," according to the lawsuit. "Nor would any reasonable person tolerate an anti-Semitic caricature of himself or herself prominently displayed on the front pages of a newspaper containing false and malicious allegations."
The entire lawsuit can be read by clicking here. Also, view Exhibit A, Exhibit B, Exhibit C, Exhibit D.
The Washington City Paper's publisher, Amy Austin, responded to the allegations by saying:
"It's extremely unfortunate that Snyder believes it's appropriate to threaten City Paper with litigation because he objects to our coverage. As a 30-year old newspaper and vibrant website committed to both in-depth news reporting and full-throated commentary, we do not believe that using the court system to stifle or chill free speech is ever appropriate. In this case, it’s especially shabby: As a well known public figure, Snyder has more than ample ability and resources to respond to coverage he does not like, including through his significant public relations apparatus. Lest there be any doubt, we have offered him a forum to do so in our pages, and that invitation stands. Should he elect to actually file a lawsuit, we have directed our counsel to defend the case vigorously."
Snyder said in the lawsuit that any monetary damages recovered would be given to groups devoted to assisting the homeless.
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Editor's Note: NBC Washington is the official broadcast station of the Washington Redskins. The Washington City Paper provides content to NBCWashington.com.
