ABC airs report. Desnick sues for IP, libel, trespass and fraud. Appellate court dismisses charges. Extremely favorable ruling for tabloid-style investigative TV reportage. Businesses must realize that some customers may conceal true identities.
Hills sue for invasion of privacy.
Lower courts uphold false-light claim but U.S. Supreme Court reverses. Three years after NYT v. Sullivan, Court holds that all plaintiffs in false light suits involving newsworthy issues must prove NY Times actual malice. Sanctioning press for mere negligence in reporting facts in news articles would unduly burden First Amendment freedoms. Cantrell sues for false-light IP, claiming story also exaggerated family's poverty. Court holds reporter and newspaper acted with NY Times actual malice but declines opportunity to apply Gertz v. Welch and let states set own fault standards for false-light suits by private persons.