Opinion ID: 2614922
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Plaintiff's Causes of Action

Text: Based on the foregoing facts, plaintiff sued defendants for damages allegedly incurred by their tortious conduct. We briefly describe the seven causes of action set forth in plaintiff's complaint, as these allegations are relevant to our inquiry whether the Court of Appeal properly confined its review to the issues surrounding the defamation count. Plaintiff's first cause of action was based on a theory of illegal ouster  plaintiff asserted he was denied access to board meetings and thus was ousted as a director of RNB and denied his rights as shareholder. Plaintiff alleged the newly adopted bylaw violated section 303 of the Corporations Code, which generally prohibits removal of a corporate director prior to the expiration of his term. He also alleged the bylaw amounted to an unlawful ex post facto provision when applied to previously incurred loan defaults. Plaintiff's second cause of action was based on defamation arising from defendants' publication of the information contained in the foregoing news articles and letter to shareholders. Plaintiff alleged damage to his business and reputation, as well as financial losses resulting from being forced to sell his RNB stock at less than fair market value. Plaintiff's third cause of action was based on wrongful disclosure of confidential information and alleged that defendants breached their obligation of confidentiality by conspiring to disclose plaintiff's loan defaults in order to oust him from the RNB board, damage his credit standing, and force him to sell his RNB stock. Plaintiff's fourth cause of action was based on defendants' tortious breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and alleged that defendants conspired to use plaintiff's loan defaults as an excuse for ousting him from the RNB board, thereby nullifying his right as a shareholder to elect directors, and forcing him to sell his RNB stock. Plaintiff's fifth cause of action was based on a theory of intentional interference with plaintiff's contractual relationships with RNB as a shareholder and borrower. Plaintiff alleged that defendants' wrongful acts of removing him from the RNB board and publishing information regarding his loan defaults improperly interfered with those relationships. Plaintiff's sixth cause of action was based on interference with contractual relations and prospective advantage, and alleged that defendant's acts interfered with plaintiff's relations with financial institutions other than RNB. Plaintiff's seventh and final cause of action was based on negligent interference with plaintiff's relations with financial institutions other than RNB. As to each of the foregoing causes of action, plaintiff sought compensatory and punitive damages in varying amounts for defendants' alleged tortious conduct.