Lawsuit Over Tweet Advances

The University is actively investigating allegations of bias and harassment following a series of incidents involving students. In a recent court ruling, the case centers around a tweet posted by defendant Loue on February 25, 2021, which has been deemed capable of conveying a defamatory meaning. The court found that the tweet could lead readers to believe that the plaintiff, Dr. Manco, is racist, sexist, or transphobic, thus denying Loue's motion to dismiss based on claims of immunity. Loue is also contesting the plaintiff's claim of false light, which under Pennsylvania law requires proof that the published material is false, highly offensive, and publicized with knowledge of its falsity. The court noted that while the truth of Loue's allegations is disputed, they could imply negative connotations about Manco's character. Consequently, this claim will proceed, as the implications of the tweet are considered damaging. Furthermore, the court has allowed Manco's claim of tortious interference with contract to advance to the discovery phase. Manco alleges that the student defendants engaged in actions aimed at having him suspended and terminating his contract. The court emphasized that accusations of racism must imply more than mere allegations, as they must suggest illegal conduct. In summary, the ongoing legal battle highlights the complexities of defamation and false light claims, particularly in the context of social media communications and their potential impact on reputations.