BakerHostetler Wins Second Circuit Appeal for Defendant in #MeToo Defamation Case

"BakerHostetler represented Maria Grand in a Second Circuit appeal in which the court declined to revive Steve Coleman’s defamation suit over a 2017 #MeToo-style letter, ruling 2-1 that the letter was not defamatory under New York law because it did not consist of statements of fact."

BakerHostetler represented defendant Maria Grand in an appeal in which plaintiff Steve Coleman sought to revive a defamation lawsuit arising from a 2017 letter allegedly inspired by the #MeToo movement. On November 12, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit declined to revive Coleman’s suit. In a 2-1 decision the court held that the 2017 letter was not defamatory under New York law, explaining that a communication must consist of statements of fact, or expressions of opinion based on suggested facts, to be actionable as defamation. The court’s ruling therefore left the lawsuit against Grand dismissed. BakerHostetler represented client Maria Grand with a team composed by: Katherine L. McKnight, Partner, Washington, D.C.; Richard B. Raile, Partner, Washington, D.C.; Renee M. Knudsen, Associate, Washington, D.C.

BakerHostetler Wins Second Circuit Appeal for Defendant in #MeToo Defamation Case

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