Document: 501 U.S. 496 111 S.Ct. 2419 115 L.Ed.2d 447 Jeffrey M. MASSON, Petitionerv.NEW YORKER MAGAZINE, INC., Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. and Janet Malcolm. No. 89-1799. Argued Jan. 14, 1991. Decided June 20, Syllabus Petitioner Masson, a psychoanalyst, became disillusioned with Freudian psychology while serving as Projects Director of the Sigmund Freud Archives, was fired after advancing his own theories. Thereafter, respondent Malcolm, an author contributor to The New Yorker, magazine, taped several interviews Masson wrote lengthy article on relationship Archives. One Malcolm's narrative devices consists enclosing passages attributed in quotation marks. allegedly expressed alarm about errors those before published. After its publication, knowledge Masson's allegations that it contained defamatory material, Inc., published work book, which portrayed most unflattering light. He brought action for libel under California law Federal District Court, concentrating alleged be defamatory, six are this Court. In each instance, quoted statement does not appear interviews. parties dispute whether there were additional untaped interviews, notes from Malcolm transcribed. court granted respondents' motion summary judgment. It concluded inaccuracies substantially true or rational interpretations ambiguous conversations, therefore did raise jury question actual malice, is required when by public figure. Court Appeals affirmed. found, among other things, one passage—in saying Archive officials had considered him "intellectual gigolo" tape showed he said "was much too junior within hierarchy analysis these important . analysts caught dead [him]"—was would actionable "incremental harm" doctrine. Held: 1. evidence presents acted requisite falsity reckless disregard truth five passages. Pp. 509-525. (a) As relevant here, First Amendment limits California's requiring figure prove clear convincing defendant malice. However, place term better practice instructions refer publication falsity. 509-511. (b) A trier fact case could find reasonable reader understand quotations nearly verbatim reports statements. general, marks indicate reproduction, add authority credibility author's work. fabricated may injure reputation attributing untrue factual assertion speaker, indicating negative personal trait attitude speaker hold. While some do convey actually such here. gives no clue anything but reproductions magazine enjoyed scrupulous inquiry. These factors lead take at face value. 511-513. (c) common overlooks minor concentrates upon substantial truth. Thus, deliberate alteration plaintiff's words equate purposes York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 254, 279-280, 84 710, 725-726, 11 686, Gertz Robert Welch, 418 323, 342, 94 2997, 3008, 41 789, unless results material change statement's meaning. use attribute spoken inquiry, idea any beyond correction grammar syntax itself proves rejected. Even if has been recorded, existence both reporter, translation between two media, addition punctuation, practical necessity edit make intelligible speakers' perhaps rambling comments, misleading suggest will reconstructed complete accuracy. alterations give different meaning speaker's statements, bearing their character, then device might well critical finding actionable. 513-518. (d) Although applied test truth, erred going step further concluding altered protected so long "rational interpretation" statement. protection interpretation serves principle allowing interpretive license necessary relying sources; where writer uses conclude purports repetition statement, interpreting attempting what said. Time, Pape, 401 279, 91 633, 28 45; Bose Corp. Consumers Union United States, 466 485, 104 1949, 80 502, distinguished. 2433-2435. (e) determining shown sufficient falsification survive judgment, must assumed, except otherwise evidenced recordings' transcripts, correct denying made statements him, reported differences quoted. typewritten should considered, since denied making record contains support determination standard deliberately recklessly quotations. she contests allegations, only trial merits resolve dispute. 2434-2435. (f) Five differ materially recorded create issue Whether passage law, extent based conclusion Amendment, mistaken. Moreover, doctrine—which measures incremental reputational harm inflicted challenged imposed nonactionable remainder publication—is compelled matter speech, bear false not. 2435-2437. 2. On remand, consider argument granting judgment Yorker Magazine, basis respective relations lack independent failed reach because disposition respect P. 2437. 895 F.2d 1535, (CA9 1989), reversed remanded. KENNEDY, J., delivered opinion REHNQUIST, C.J., MARSHALL, BLACKMUN, STEVENS, O'CONNOR, SOUTER, JJ., joined, Parts I, II-A, II-D, III-A WHITE SCALIA, joined. WHITE, filed concurring part dissenting part, Charles O. Morgan, Jr., San Francisco, Cal., petitioner. H. Bartow Farr, III, Washington, D.C., respondents. Justice KENNEDY 1 case, claims defamed who, full inaccuracy, used comments made. protects authors journalists who write figures plaintiff we have called "actual malice," art denoting falsification. We degree state mind, can defeat proceed defamation claim. 2 * trained Harvard University Sanskrit scholar, 1970 professor & Indian Studies Toronto. spent eight years psychoanalytic training, qualified analyst 1978. Through professional activities, came know Dr. Kurt Eissler, head Anna Freud, daughter major psychoanalyst her right. located Maresfield Gardens outside London, repository materials including writings, letters, library. materials, right access them, immense value study theories, life 3 1980, Eissler hired petitioner assuming post, psychology. 1981 lecture Western England Psychoanalytical Society Haven, Connecticut, advanced theories Freud. Soon after, Board Archives terminated Director. 4 Respondent weekly magazine. She contacted 1982 regarding possibility agreed, met person spoke telephone series Based sources, article. marks, reporting subjects. 5 During editorial process, Nancy Franklin, member fact-checking department confirm facts underlying According petitioner, number few Franklin discussed him. contends asked permission review portions information brushed off never-fulfilled promise "get back [him]." App. 67. disputes petitioner's version conversation. 246-247. 6 piece December 1983, two-part series. 1984, least general allegation entire entitled 7 received complimentary reviews. But gave little joy book portrays reviewer, 8 "Masson promising scholar emerges gradually, grandiose egotist—mean-spirited, self-serving, braggadocio, impossibly arrogant and, end, self-destructive fool. calls such: reveal psychological profile—a self-portrait offered us through efforts observer listener is, surely, wise profession." Coles, Freudianism Confronts Its Malcontents, Boston Globe, May 27, pp. 58, 60. 9 letter Book Review calling "distorted." response, stated: 10 "Many [the] things Mr. told me (on tape) discreditable I felt best include them. Everything quote almost word word. (The 'almost' refers changes sake syntax.) glad play tapes my conversation editors whenever they 40 50 short hours spare." 222-223. States Northern California. extensive discovery repeated amendments complaint, concentrated various dropping adding others. recordings demonstrated had, fact, identical passages, longer case. discuss relied briefs 12 Each during Yet instance appears more than complains all passage; passage, omitted crucial portion, rendering misleading. 13 "Intellectual Gigolo." description follows: 14 " 'Then rather attractive older graduate student affair her. day, took event, sorry afterward. said, "Well, very nice sleeping you your room, you're kind never leave room—you're just social embarrassment anywhere else, though fine room." And know, way, many words, same thing. They like enough "in loved hear creeps dolts are. intellectual gigolo—you get pleasure don't out public. .' 38. 15 contain substance reference friend, 95, suggestion himself, 'intellectual gigolo.' Instead, said: "They felt, sense, private asset liability. liked alone living talk chat tell them me. was, analysis, training me." Id., 104. 16 "Sex, Women, Fun." describing plans Gardens, hoped occupy Freud's death: 17 'It beautiful house, dark sombre dead. Nothing ever went there. came. renovated it, opened up, life. center scholarship, also sex, women, fun. Wizard Oz, black-and-white into color.' 33. 18 similar "sex, fun," commented: 19 "[I]t incredible storehouse. mean, library, library priceless terms contains: books annotations them; Schreber annotated, It's fascinating." 127. 20 talk, earlier interview, meeting London analyst: 21 "I So, got well. That first time buddy-buddy, stay [laughs] pass women other, great together lived house. We'd [laughs]— 22 really, live 23 up." 129. 24 "It Sounded Better." history family, reasons grandfather changed family name Moussaieff why adopted abandoned middle name. passage: 25 'My father gem merchant doesn't long. His merchant, too—a Bessarabian named Moussaieff, Paris twenties Masson. My parents Lloyd 1975 decided Moussaieff—it sounded better.' 36. 26 explained considerable length France, "[j]ust hide Jewishness." last then-wife Terry objected "nobody pronounce nobody knew how spell wasn't by." "just it." sort analysis: return roots, tradition on." agreed "it all," instead 87-89. 27 Don't Know Why Put In." recounts paper presented Haven lecture: "[I] happened present somewhat outre views bitter belligerent anti-Freudian become. 29 sidestepped question. 'You're right, nothing disrespectful paper,' 'That remark sterility psychoanalysis something tacked minute, totally gratuitous. put in.' 53. 30 following discussion 31 Masson: "So really couldn't judge material. And, until sentence think quite fascinated. in, [sic] possibly, gratuitously offensive way end group analysts. Uh,—" 32 Malcolm: "What circumstances [in]? ." 33 "That true. 34 35 believe it. didn't anybody agree 36 37 say paper's still analytic sense. 38 39 deep criticism allow criticize thought, thing believe, that's appeal sentence. Because entirely sterile. 176. "Greatest Analyst Who Ever Lived." self-explanatory "A days York, elation, telephoned Farrar, Straus Giroux taken Assault Truth [Masson's book]. 'Wait till reaches best-seller list, watch crawl,' crowed. 'They move whichever wind blows. want back, analyst—after he's greatest lived. Suddenly they'll calling, begging, cajoling: "Please you've our profession; patients quitting." They'll try smear campaign, buy me, ultimately shut up. Judgment passed history. There possible refutation book. cause revolution psychoanalysis. Analysis stands falls now.' 162. 42 This recordings. related topics 43 assure comes out, honestly honest nothing, mean-minded fruit research toil. country single favor 136. 44 "Talk down concrete issues position. utterly opposite finally realized, hold position holds, including, alas, At thought: Okay, it's against rest world, Kur[t] Vic Calef Brian Bird Sam Lipton world. Not so, alone." 139. 45 interview exchange 46 now." 47 "Well say." 48 "Yeah, discovered." 137. 49 "He Had Wrong Man." discussing Archives' board employment terminated, quotes giving explanation Eissler's attempt extract confidentiality: '[Eissler] always putting moral pressure "Do poison days? Have heart? You're kill poor old woman." done? doing firing What am supposed do—be grateful you?" "You silent You swallow painful you. silence." "Why that?" "Because honorable do." Well, wrong man.' 51 From recordings, hand, deleted (italicized below), argues "wrong man" relates entreaty silence "the thing." recording, states: 52 "But that, know. constantly kinds 'Do heart?' me: 'Have woman. 53 Think she's done now willing her.' 'What do: thank you? you?' 'Well silence.' 'Fuck you,' 'Why that? Why? that?' 'Because save face. knows? If speak quietly humbly accept knows bring back?' man." 215-216. 54 submitted discussions tape, particular conversations occurred walked traveled car, stayed home recorder inoperable. claimed unrecorded sessions, later typed, discarding handwritten originals. relating indication broken. 55 Respondents moved escape permit finder evidence, respondents malice defined cases. Anderson Liberty Lobby, 477 242, 255-256, 106 2505, 2513-2514, 202 (1986). analyzed held found either true, 'one interpretations' event 'bristled ambiguities,' thus constitutional protection. 686 F.Supp. 1396, 1399 (1987) (quoting Consumer's 512, 1965, 502 (1984)). ruled "he involved exercise courts intrude. F.Supp., 1403-1404. 56 affirmed, dissenting. 1535 1989). assumed nevertheless large stated examination demonstrate substantive content self-description, note merely opinions court, 'incremental branch' 'libel-proof' doctrine," id., 1541 Herbert Lando, 781 298, 310-311 (CA2 1986)). 57 dissent argued intentional rendition inaccuracies, defamatory. F.2d, 1562-1570. certiorari, 498 ----, 39, 112 (1990), reverse. II 58 Under "[l]ibel unprivileged writing exposes hatred, contempt, ridicule, obloquy, causes shunned avoided, tendency occupation." Cal.Civ.Code Ann. § (West 1982). False attribution constitute libel, injury comprehended statute. See Selleck Globe International, 166 Cal.App.3d 1123, 1132, 212 Cal.Rptr. 838, 844 (1985); Cameron Wernick, 251 Cal.App.2d 890, 60 102 (1967); Kerby Hal Roach Studios, 207, 213, 127 P.2d 577, 581 (1942); cf. Baker Los Angeles Herald Examiner, Cal.3d 260-261, 228 206, 208-210, 721 87, 90-91 matters alleges false. "[T]he quantitative; even buried text," recognize "[w]hile drop lethal, weaker poisons sometimes diluted point impotency." Washburn Wright, 261 795, 68 224, (1968). 59 respects. When, figure, cannot recover i.e., "knowledge not." 726, (1964). Mere negligence suffice. Rather, entertained serious doubts publication," St. Amant Thompson, 390 727, 731, 88 1323, 1325, 262 (1968), "high awareness probable falsity," Garrison Louisiana, 379 64, 74, 85 209, 215, 125 Actual confused concept evil intent motive arising spite ill will. Greenbelt Cooper- ative Publishing Assn., Bresler, 398 6, 90 1537, (1970). shorthand describe protections speech injurious continue confuse enlighten. respect, phrase unfortunate one. Harte-Hanks Communications, Connaughton, 491 657, 666, n. 7, 109 2678, 2685, 105 562 (1989). definitional remembered us. B 61 around reproduces verbatim. inform reading paraphrase indirect author. By providing information, Quotations form conclusions, assess conclusions author, characterization subject. 62 senses, rise conceivable claim defamation. First, attributes speaker. An example official admitting convicted crime 63 Second, regardless asserted result manner expression indicates John Lennon once Beatles, "We're popular Jesus Christ Aug. 12, 1966, p. Supposing fabrication, recovery because, without regard assertion, injured reputation. Here, manner, need determine order having proclaimed. 64 self-condemnatory carry force another. self-interest admit one's criminal liability, arrogance, integrity, easy credit happens. underlies elemental rule permits introduction admissions, despite hearsay assume "that persons damaging themselves satisfied good reason true." Advisory Committee's Notes Fed.Rule Evid. 804(b)(3), U.S.C.App., 789 (citing Hileman Northwest Engineering Co., 346 668 (CA6 1965)). 65 Of course, "Punctuation uses. Writers often yet punctuation automatically implies material." Cal.3d, 263, Cal.Rptr., 211, P.2d, 92. Baker, television reviewer printed hypothetical station vice president writer/producer, 267, 95. reasonably reproduction place. instances, acknowledgement so-called docudrama historical fiction, recreates memory, interpreted whom attributed. 66 however, journalistic writing, provides being rhetorical To contrary, nonfiction, numerous conclude. neither nor publishers conversations. Further, seemed enjoy would, could, able argue viewed nonliteral reconstructions, C 67 here whether, framework motion, suffices show inquiry turn requires falsity; standards understanding acts inheres speak. writers reporters alter people say, eliminate grammatical syntactical infelicities. every constituted journalism, designed protect, require radical change, inconsistent precedents principles. concedes absolute definition context stringent, acknowledges "minor syntax" amount proving Brief 18, 36-37. agree, what, technical falsity, 69 excepting syntax, demonstrates shown. suggests invoking forgiving encourage falsehoods. believes manufacture "represen[t] inaccuracy commonplace forum robust debate applies," Corp., U.S., 513, S.Ct., falsehoods hinder values well-informed reducing reliability available 70 reject sense Amendment. interviewer writes engage task reconstruction assume, act times subject used. proposed standard, situation subject's derogatory himself. 71 journalist exact rare circumstances. reporter; word; punctuation; absence distort meaning, example, turns emphasis cases, makes obvious misstatement, unconscious substitution another, preserve intended conversely, although 72 events, distinctions correcting greater level workable, method juries draw line cleaning up changes, conveys reader. narrow type unnecessary departure principles applicability, important, tort understood latter half 16th century. now, existed redress [516] 73 Milkovich Lorain Journal 497 1, 110 2695, (1990). recognized, "[t]he legitimate interest compensation individuals falsehood." (1974). alters effects conveyed expression, suffers compensable 74 essential accommodate special inaccurate discrete body jurisprudence directed alone. Last Term, refused "to wholesale exemption labeled 'opinion.' 2705 (citation omitted). recognized "expressions 'opinion' imply objective fact." Ibid. allowed go forward holding expressions assertions matters. So us, quotations, syntax. conclude, rather, exceptions suggested corrections serve illuminate broader principle. 75 takes approach communication. Restatement (Second) Torts 563, Comment c (1977); W. Keeton, D. Dobbs, R. Owen, Prosser Keeton Law 776 (5th ed. 1984). jurisdictions, defense absolve "justify matter; charge proved irrespective slight details." B. Witkin, Summary Law, 495 (9th 1988) cases). burden Philadelphia Newspapers, Hepps, 475 767, 775, 1558, 1563, 89 783 essence remains rests defendant. Minor substance, gist, sting, libelous justified." Heuer Kee, 714, 1063, 1064 (1936); see Alioto Cowles 623 616, 619 1980); Maheu Hughes Tool 569 459, 465-466 1978). another "would effect mind pleaded produced." Sack, Libel, Slander, Related Problems 138 (1980); see, e.g., Wheling Columbia Broadcasting System, 506, 509 (CA5 1983); generally Smolla, Defamation 5.08 (1991). Our relies understanding. 76 uttered 725-726 supra, bears dispositive 77 Deliberate comprises express Meaning language. given, devastating instrument conveying consideration, readers portrait especially damning appeared self-portrait, words. D 78 which, exposition application, comports above discussion. Appeals, accuracy drawing decisions (1971), (1984). Application finds jurisprudence. Neither fabrication analogous claim, construed reasoning point. 79 arose summarizing report Commission Civil Rights police civil rights abuses. Commission's surrounding incident brutality, qualification complaint. noted toward verity episodes recounted straightforward," distinguished "direct account events themselves," 285, 286, 637, descriptive reported. Pape difficult choices confront departs direct offers source. fair publish sustain Consumer Reports attempted experience listening music pair loudspeakers, assessment themselves, 'that bristled ambiguities' challenges writer." 1966 290, 639). choice language reflecting misconception, represented applies." 1966. 81 sources. Where, quotation, orthodox quintessential themselves." 637. More accurately, allows 82 significance issue, absent qualification, thought. Were freedom subjects' mouths fear eliminating distinguishing diminish trustworthiness word, real press doubtless suffer rule. Newsworthy become wary journalists, knowing comment transmuted subject, bounds exceeded. grant near absolute, practice. doubt decline adopt presumption permissible III 83 apply justifiable inferences nonmoving party, questions weight accorded evidence. 255, 2513. transcripts tape-recorded notes. suggestion. begin with, affirms affidavit complained moreover, light favorable resemble tapes, certain phrases, inference altered. possession working tight deadline. Unlike involving hot news, complain lacked ability compare progress. Third, editor-in-chief Fourth, explanations consistent Fifth, progression notes, manuscript, galleys alteration. stage, creates alterations. 86 87 "[f]airly read, gigolo someone forsakes integrity pecuniary gain." 1551. difference "much majority perceive supported citation 1541. natural admission considers himself so. follow, though, harmless. falsely given (with added complexity represent view). well-respected senior colleagues self-appraisal. law. doctrine alternative decision. "[t]his publication." Ibid.; Note, 98 Harv.L. Rev. 1909 9.10[4][d] ruled, "[g]iven provocative, bombastic indisputably caused gigolo' nominal nonexistent, non-actionable." Anderson, 241 U.S.App.D.C. 246, 251, 746 1568 (1984), vacated remanded grounds, (1986), undertake damage publication. "provocative, statements" seem appropriate application 1566. Furthermore, provided grounded speech. accepts doctrine, free doctrines injury, causation, damages calculation 92 closer fun" picture "Freud's priceless." 503. Petitioner's remarks planned house "pass other." passage's fun." 93 liked" better" context, immaterial. gist explanation: "tacked minute" "totally gratuitous" "sterility psychoanalysis" academic paper, reason. "possibly [a] analysts," included remark, answered "[because] scholar's 95 did, occasions, predict irreparable psychoanalysis, shared views, unprofessional tone apparent quotation. exists exposed ridicule obloquy. 96 rejected plea remain stoic far varied motives: thing," "save face," rewarded eventual reinstatement. described undergo scandal shine publicity actions 97 Appeals' occasion address addressed remand. reversed, proceedings opinion. 99 ordered. 100 SCALIA joins, part. 101 join III-A, wholly principal disagreement holding, ante, 517, "a statement." (1964), "malice" means falsehood 725-726. recognizes, asserts judged instances identified say. term, "knowing falsehood": any, view, defendants erroneous 103 decide falsehood, mean plaintiffs necessarily trial. If, jurors amounted "expose[d] [Masson] occupation," 1982), ground justified.* suppose, wore contact lenses, eyes vision, dismiss spoiled child Mother," whereas, parents." misquotation libelous, jury. seems straightforward, traditional deal states ignores Times, known falsehood—here knowingly proof apparently, substantial; reporter lie little, much. less manageable approach, assigns decide. For ask libelous. measuring view; asking view attribution. attempts justify ways, none persuasive. observes reconstruct Ante, 514-515. misrepresent remember dilemma authors, story purporting sure, thereby leaving trust believing Court's loss speculates benefit reconstruct, 515, again, cases them? misquotations inflict 517. not, utter. 107 defendants' Part III-B reached Better" dealt paragraph III-B, misquotations. dealing 1540-1541

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