A New York City columnist who created the notorious 'Sh***y Media Men' list detailing allegations of sexual assault, harassment and misconduct could still go to trial for defamation after a judge declined to resolve the case in her favor.
Moira Donegan, 32, who created the widely circulated list in 2017 at the height of the #MeToo movement, was sued by New Orleans-based journalist Stephen Elliott after the Google spreadsheet accused him of rape, sexual harassment and 'coercion.' Elliott's lawsuit claimed the allegations are 'false' and 'unsubstantiated.'
Donegan's attorney, Roberta Kaplan, sought immunity for her client under a controversial law protecting social media users who host or republish information from being held legally responsible for what others do or say online.
U.S. District Court Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall on Thursday, in an order obtained by DailyMail.com, declined the request, arguing that Donegan's testimony and 'vague' recollections about the document did not 'rule out the possibility' that she encouraged others to make posts that broke the law.
DeArcy Hall's ruling leaves the possibility that Donegan could stand trial for defamation, but the case could still be resolved by the judge on 'other grounds.'
More than 70 men were named on the 'Sh***y Media Men' spreadsheet before it was taken offline. Elliott, who is seeking $1.5 million in damages, appears to be the only alleged victim to sue the Brooklyn-based writer.
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