Court Opinion

ID: 9401654
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-06-13 18:07:37.517472+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:19:54.060466
License: Public Domain

[Cite as Mitchell v. Fix, 2023-Ohio-1957.]

                                           COURT OF APPEALS
                                        FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO
                                       FIFTH APPELLATE DISTRICT

    BOBBY MITCHELL                                 :   JUDGES:
                                                   :
                                                   :   Hon. William B. Hoffman, P.J.
           Plaintiff-Appellant                     :   Hon. Patricia A. Delaney, J.
                                                   :   Hon. Craig R. Baldwin, J.
    -vs-                                           :
                                                   :   Case No. 2022 CA 00037
                                                   :
    JEFFREY M. FIX                                 :
                                                   :
                                                   :
           Defendant-Appellee                      :   OPINION

  CHARACTER OF PROCEEDING:                             Appeal from the Fairfield County Court
                                                       of Common Pleas, Case No. 2022 CV
                                                       00153

  JUDGMENT:                                            AFFIRMED

  DATE OF JUDGMENT ENTRY:                              June 13, 2023

  APPEARANCES:

    For Plaintiff-Appellant:                           For Defendant-Appellee:

    JOSHUA J. BROWN                                    BRIAN S. STEWART
    5086 North High Street                             LUCAS A. THOMPSON
    Columbus, OH 43214                                 118 North Washington Street
                                                       Circleville, OH 43113
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037                                                2

Delaney, J.

       {¶1} Plaintiff-Appellant Bobby Mitchell appeals the August 30, 2022 judgment

entry of the Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas.

                        FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

       {¶2} On April 4, 2022, Plaintiff-Appellant Bobby Mitchell filed a verified complaint

for defamation with the Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas. Mitchell named

Defendant-Appellant Jeffrey M. Fix as the party defendant. Based on procedural posture

of this case, the following facts are taken from Mitchell’s complaint, which included his

affidavit, the affidavit of Michael Tussey, and copies of Facebook posts.

                      Election for the Bloom Township Trustee

       {¶3} For the November 2, 2021 election cycle, Plaintiff-Appellant Bobby Mitchell

was running for one of the two open seats for Trustee in Bloom Township, Fairfield

County, Ohio. He was running as a Republican. His opponents for the Trustee position

were Carol Moore and Brian Randles, also members of the Republican Party.

                                       The Mailer

       {¶4} Sometime in the Fall of 2021, residents of Fairfield County received political

mailers through the USPS. The mailer said,

       JOE BIDEN & THE DEMOCRATS ARE DESTROYING AMERICA

       X RISING GAS PRICES …

       X EMBARRASSMENT IN AFGHANISTAN …

       X OUTRAGEOUS MASK MANDATES …

       DON’T LET CAROL MOORE & BRAIN RANDLES Do the Same to Bloom

       Township
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037                                                    3

The mailer included a photo of Joe Biden surrounded by the American flag. It also

included the photos of Carol Moore and Brian Randles. Mitchell’s complaint states the

mailings were sent by the “End Corruption PAC.”

       {¶5} Mitchell states in his complaint that he spoke with Fix on the telephone

regarding the mailers two times, during which Mitchell told Fix that he was not aware of

or involved in the dissemination of the mailers.

       {¶6} According to his March 22, 2022 affidavit attached to Mitchell’s complaint,

Michael Tussey was the Chief of Police in Baltimore, Ohio at the time Fairfield County

residents received the mailers. Chief Tussey was contacted by a Fairfield County resident

who was concerned about the mailer. After contacting Mitchell who denied any knowledge

of the source of the mailer, Chief Tussey started an “inquiry” into the mailer. Chief

Tussey’s affidavit does not state the “inquiry” was an official police investigation. After his

inquiry into the mailer, which included contacting people involved in central Ohio politics,

Chief Tussey was convinced that Mitchell did not participate in the mailer. Chief Tussey

contacted Fix to share the results of his inquiry. Fix told Chief Tussey that he was going

to withdraw his endorsement of Mitchell.

                                   Fix’s Facebook Posts

       {¶7} In 2021, Defendant-Appellant Jeffrey M. Fix was the Chairman of the

Fairfield County Republican Party. He also served as a Fairfield County Commissioner.

       {¶8} Mitchell attached Exhibit C to his complaint, which are Facebook posts

regarding the Bloom Township Trustee Election. The following posts are relevant to this

appeal.

       {¶9}   On October 23, 2021, “Jeff Fix” posted the following to his Facebook page:
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037                                                 4

      Endorsing candidates is a tricky business. As a Commissioner and as

      Chairman of the Republican Party in Fairfield County I am asked often to

      support one candidate or another. I reserve these endorsements for people

      that I know and trust, and who I believe will do an excellent job as a public

      servant. I am proud of both my and the County Party’s record (two separate

      things) when it comes to endorsements.

      This year, among many others in various races, Bobby Mitchell asked me

      to support his run for Bloom Township Trustee. As I had encouraged Bobby

      previously to run for a local office so that he could prove himself as a public

      servant, and have been working with Bobby to expand our conservative

      minority base in the Republican Party in Fairfield County, I felt it appropriate

      to endorse Bobby in this race.

      * * * So last weekend I publicly stated my endorsement for both Bobby

      Mitchell and Brian Randles for the two seats up for election in Bloom

      Township.

      Thursday I got a copy of a mail piece that was sent out in Bloom Township

      – paid for by the “End Corruption PAC.” This mail piece is a succinct

      example of how unsavory our political process has become. The piece is

      supportive of Bobby Mitchell but goes on to attempt to tie Brian Randles

      and Carol Moore (also an incumbent Republican) to Joe Biden * * *. I

      thought I had seen it all in the most recent Republican Primary for the 15th

      Congressional District, but this mail piece is – by far – the worst thing I’ve

      ever seen. It honestly makes me want to throw up.
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037                                                 5

      * * * This mail piece is the most disgusting piece of political advertising I’ve

      ever witnessed. I confronted Bobby Mitchell with all of this yesterday. He

      completely and passionately denied any knowledge of this piece, said it was

      an embarrassment, and immediately made public his disdain for it. And on

      the other side I’ve had some people tell me that Bobby had predicted that a

      PAC would be putting out a mail piece that would be helpful to him.

      At this point, I don’t know what to believe.

      Here’s what I do know. I know that Brian Randles and Carol Moore have

      been Township Trustees in Bloom Township for quite some time and there’s

      never been any drama there. * * *

      We’ve worked really hard in the County Party, and I’ve worked really hard

      as Chairman, to minimize the drama with all of our elected officials. We’ve

      successfully removed those who created problems, and replaced them with

      capable, hard-working, honest public servants; and we’ve recruited,

      endorsed, and supported strong candidates who have become great

      elected officials as well.

      I hear the passion in Bobby Mitchell’s voice when he declares that he has

      nothing to do with this advertisement. I honestly believe him. But if avoiding

      drama and at the same time supporting those who to job well is the path we

      follow, then perhaps we should all support Brian Randles and Carol Moore

      in Bloom Township and hope that Bobby Mitchell can find a way to become

      a public servant that does not create this type of angst.
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037                                                   6

       This is a no-win situation. Bobby Mitchell is a decent, smart man who served

       in the military, serves his community as a pastor, a day-care operator, and

       a food-bank leader. He takes care of many people who need help and that

       is something I admire.

       At the same time, there is no place for this type of tripe in our local politics.

       * * * There is no place in our county for this type of campaign advertising.

       Not now, hopefully not ever.

       So there you have it. All my thoughts. I have rarely struggled more with

       knowing exactly what the right thing to do is. I hate being in this position. I

       hate that some stupid PAC – who really knows the motivation – has taken

       a blender to our local political scene. I hate that Bobby Mitchell, if he had

       nothing to do with this, is getting sucked under the bus. And I hate that if he

       did have something to do with it that he didn’t understand that this is NOT

       how to win the hearts and minds of the electorate.

(Exhibit C).

       {¶10} On October 28, 2021, “Jeff Fix, Fairfield County Commissioner” posted the

following on his Facebook page:

       I am officially rescinding my endorsement of Bobby Mitchell. The same PAC

       that “mysteriously” intervened into the Bloom Township race has now joined

       the Canal Winchester City Council race where – not coincidentally – Bobby

       Mitchell’s “God-daughter” is a first time candidate. There is no room for this

       type of politics in Fairfield County. I am tremendously disappointed.

(Exhibit C).
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037                                                7

       {¶11} On October 29, 2021, “Jeff Fix” posted the following on his Facebook page:

       To all my friends in Bloom Township. You may have gotten a piece of

       political mail yesterday that is outrageous and sick. Brian Randles and Carol Moore

       are good Republicans, strong Township Trustees, and just plain

       good people. The fact that a PAC is spreading lies like this can easily be

       attributed to the fact that Bobby Mitchell is in this race. This is NOT how we

       run elections in Fairfield County and that message needs to be reiterated

       by the voters loud and clear. I strongly urge all the good people of Bloom

       Township to vote for both Brian Randles and Carol Moore on Tuesday.

(Exhibit C).

                                 Post-Election Comments

       {¶12} The election was held on November 2, 2021. Carol Moore and Brian

Randles were elected as the Trustees for Bloom Township.

       {¶13} Chief Tussey attended the Fairfield County Republican Party Executive

Committee meeting on November 4, 2021. During Fix’s leadership report, Chief Tussey

averred that Fix told the party members to avoid engaging in negative campaigning and

raised the Bloom Township Trustee election as an example. Chief Tussey further stated

in his affidavit that he heard Fix say:

       As a result, Fix decided to endorse Mitchell [for the Bloom Township Trustee

       election]. Fix stated that a Political Action Committee unknown to him (Fix),

       entered the Bloom Township Trustee race, disseminating negative

       documents by mail about the two candidates opposing Mitchell in the race,

       in support of Mitchell’s campaign. Fix stated that he contacted Mitchell and
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037                                               8

       that Mitchell pleaded to Fix that Mitchell had nothing to do with the PAC and

       had no control of what was being said. Fix said this is why he withdrew his

       endorsement and (in Fix’s words) “distanced himself from Mitchell.” Fix

       ended by saying that Mitchell’s actions had sickened him.

(Exhibit B).

                                 Claim for Defamation

       {¶14} The sole claim raised in Mitchell’s complaint was for defamation. He argued

Fix’s statement that Mitchell sent the mailers was false and Fix had knowledge of the

falsity. (Complaint, ¶ 26). Fix’s statements on Facebook and at the Fairfield County

Republican Party Executive Committee Meeting also disseminated false, factual

information about Mitchell and was not Fix’s opinion. (Complaint, ¶ 30, 31). Fix’s

statements subjected Mitchell to public contempt, public hatred, ridicule, shame, and

disgrace. (Complaint, ¶ 18, 28). “Fix’s statements were defamatory per se, where

damages are presumed. Alternatively, due to the defamation of Defendants, Plaintiff

suffered and continues to suffer irreparable harm. Plaintiff asserts these damages to

exceed $25,000.00.” (Complaint, ¶ 38).

                                   Motion to Dismiss

       {¶15} On May 6, 2022, Fix filed a motion to dismiss the complaint in lieu of an

answer. Fix argued that Mitchell’s complaint for defamation should be dismissed for

failure to state a claim under Civ.R. 12(B)(6). Fix first claimed that his statements

regarding Mitchell were not defamatory per se. In his complaint, Mitchell argued that Fix

defamed him when he said that Mitchell sent the mailers. Fix admitted that he authored

the October 23, 28, and 29, 2021 Facebook posts. A review of his Facebook posts,
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037                                                   9

however, showed that Fix never said Mitchell sent the mailers; rather, Fix stated the PAC

sent the mailers. Fix next argued that as the Chairman of the Fairfield County Republic

Party, any statements he made about Mitchell, a candidate for public office in Fairfield

County, were privileged. Finally, Fix argued that upon a review of the alleged facts in a

light most favorable to Mitchell, it could be argued that Mitchell raised arguments for

defamation per quod; however, Mitchell’s complaint did not plead special damages and

therefore, his complaint should be dismissed for failure to state a claim.

       {¶16} Mitchell filed his memorandum contra on May 20, 2022. Mitchell argued

Fix’s statements that Mitchell was responsible for the mailers were knowingly false and

therefore, met the Civ.R. 12(B)(6) threshold for defamation per se. It was unnecessary to

plead special damages because Mitchell was not alleging defamation per quod.

       {¶17} Fix filed a reply on May 31, 2022.

       {¶18} On August 30, 2022, the trial court issued its judgment entry granting Fix’s

motion to dismiss Mitchell’s complaint for defamation. The trial court found that taking all

statements in Mitchell’s complaint as true and construing all inferences in favor of Mitchell,

Mitchell raised a claim for defamation per quod. Mitchell, however, did not plead special

damages in his complaint and therefore, failed to state a claim entitling him to relief.

       {¶19} It is from this judgment that Mitchell now appeals.

                               ASSIGNMENTS OF ERROR

       {¶20} Mitchell raises four Assignments of Error:

       I. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED BY FINDING THAT THE COMPLAINT OF

       PLAINTIFF-APPELLANT BOBBY MITCHELL FAILED TO STATE A CLAIM

       UPON WHICH RELIEF CAN BE BASED, PURSUANT TO CIV.R. 12(B)(6),
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037                                                10

       BECAUSE MITCHELL’S COMPLAINT FOR DEFAMATION WAS A

       COMPLAINT FOR DEFAMATION PER QUOD, AND THUS REQUIRED

       AN AVERMENT OF SPECIAL DAMAGES IN THE PLEADING.

       II. WHETHER THE TRIAL COURT IMPROPERLY BASED ITS OPINION

       ON CERTAIN ERRONEOUS CONCLUSIONS OF FACT, WHERE THERE

       WAS A MATERIAL AND GENUINE DISPUTE REGARDING THOSE

       FACTS.

       III. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN FINDING THAT APPELLEE FIX’S

       STATEMENTS WERE PRIVILEGED.

       IV. THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN FINDING THAT APPELLEE FIX’S

       STATEMENTS WERE OPINION.

                                       ANALYSIS

                                  Standard of Review

       {¶21} On August 30, 2022, the trial court dismissed Mitchell’s complaint for

defamation pursuant to Civ.R. 12(B)(6), failure to state a claim upon which relief can be

granted. Our standard of review on a Civil Rule 12(B) motion to dismiss is de novo. Dover

Chemical Corp. v. Dover, 2022-Ohio-2307, 192 N.E.3d 559, ¶ 32 (5th Dist.) citing

Huntsman v. State, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2016CA00206, 2017-Ohio-2622, 2017 WL

1710432, ¶ 20, citing Greeley v. Miami Valley Maintenance Contractors Inc., 49 Ohio

St.3d 228, 551 N.E.2d 981 (1990). A motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim upon

which relief can be granted is procedural and tests the sufficiency of the complaint. State

ex rel. Hanson v. Guernsey County Bd. of Commissioners, 65 Ohio St.3d 545, 605 N.E.2d

378 (1992). Under a de novo analysis, we must accept all factual allegations of the
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037                                                     11

complaint as true, and all reasonable inferences must be drawn in favor of the nonmoving

party. Byrd v. Faber, 57 Ohio St.3d 56, 565 N.E.2d 584 (1991). In order to dismiss a

complaint pursuant to Civil Rule 12(B)(6), it must appear beyond doubt that the plaintiff

can prove no set of facts in support of the claim that would entitle plaintiff to relief. York

v. Ohio State Highway Patrol, 60 Ohio St.3d 143, 573 N.E.2d 1063 (1991).

                                   Types of Defamation

       {¶22} To establish defamation, the plaintiff must show (1) a false statement of fact

was made, (2) that the statement was defamatory, (3) the statement was published, (4)

the plaintiff suffered injury as a proximate result of the publication, and (5) the defendant

acted with the requisite degree of fault in publishing the statement. Dordea v. Freleng, 5th

Dist. Stark No. 2022 CA 00128, 2023-Ohio-1408, ¶ 13 citing Am. Chem. Soc. v.

Leadscope, Inc., 133 Ohio St.3d 366, 2012-Ohio-4193, 978 N.E.2d 832, ¶77, citing

Pollock v. Rashid, 117 Ohio App.3d 361, 368, 690 N.E.2d 903 (1st Dist.1996).

“Defamation can take the form of libel or slander. Libel refers to written or printed

defamatory words and slander generally refers to spoken defamatory words.” Id. quoting

Matikas v. Univ. of Dayton, 152 Ohio App.3d 514, 2003-Ohio-1852, 788 N.E.2d 1108,

¶27.

       {¶23} There are two types of defamation, defamation per se and defamation per

quod. For a communication to be defamatory per se, it must be actionable upon the very

words spoken without regard to the interpretation of the listener, i.e., it is actionable on its

face. Spitzer v. Knapp, 5th Dist. Delaware No. 19 CAE 01 0006, 2019-Ohio-2770, 2019

WL 2764071, ¶ 51 citing A & B-Abell Elevator Co. v. Columbus/Cent. Ohio Bldg. & Contr.

Trades Council, 73 Ohio St.3d 1, 651 N.E.2d 1283 (1995). A statement is defamation per
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037                                                12

se, on its face, when it reflects upon his or her character in such a manner that would

cause him to be ridiculed, hated, or held in contempt, or in a manner that will injure him

in his trade or profession. Id. Unless a privilege applies, damages and fault are generally

presumed to exist if a statement is defamatory per se. Wampler v. Higgins, 93 Ohio St.3d

111, 752 N.E.2d 962 (2001). Defamation per quod refers to a communication that is

capable of being interpreted as defamatory, i.e., it must be determined by the

interpretation of the listener, through innuendo, as being either innocent or damaging.

Dover Chem. Corp. v. Dover, 5th Dist. No. 2021 AP 07 0016, 2022-Ohio-2307, 192

N.E.3d 559, 2022 WL 2357262, ¶ 59 citing Northeast Ohio Elite Gymnastics Training

Center v. Osborne, 183 Ohio App.3d 104, 2009-Ohio-2612, 916 N.E.2d 484 (9th Dist.).

For defamation per quod, special damages must be pled and proven. Northeast Ohio

Elite Gymnastics Training, 2009-Ohio-2612 at ¶ 9. Special damages are of such a nature

that they do not follow as a necessary consequence of the complained injury. Id. “Special

damages are those direct financial losses resulting from the plaintiff's impaired

reputation.” Becker v. Toulmin, 165 Ohio St. 549, 138 N.E.2d 391 (1956); Sky v.

Westhuizen, 5th Dist. Stark No. 2018 CA 00127, 2019-Ohio-1960.

                                I. Defamation Per Quod

       {¶24} In his first Assignment of Error, Mitchell contends the trial court erred when

it found that his complaint alleged defamation per quod. We disagree.

       {¶25} A statement is defamatory per se when it falls into three categories: (1)

the imputation of an indictable offense involving moral turpitude or infamous

punishment, (2) the imputation of some offensive or contagious diseases calculated to

deprive the person or society, or (3) having the tendency to injure the plaintiff in his

trade or occupation.
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037                                                 13

Martin v. Wegman, 1st Dist. Hamilton Nos. C-180268, C-180308, 2019-Ohio-2935, ¶ 13

quoting Williams v. Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc., 162 Ohio App.3d 596,

2005-Ohio-4141, 834 N.E.2d 397, ¶ 8 (1st Dist.). To constitute libel per se, the statement

must reflect “upon the character of such person by bringing him into ridicule, hatred, or

contempt, or affect him injuriously in his trade or profession.” Martin, 2019-Ohio-2935, ¶

20 quoting Becker v. Toulmin, 165 Ohio St. 549, 553, 138 N.E.2d 391 (1956). Mitchell

argues that Fix’s Facebook posts and statements at the Fairfield County Republican Party

Executive Committee Meeting are defamatory per se because he accused Mitchell of

moral turpitude. He also claimed that Fix’s false statements “were made in the context of

an attempt to persuade people to view Mitchell with contempt.” (Verified Complaint, page

6). We find that while Mitchell’s complaint recites the language from the defamation per

se definition, the factual allegations in his complaint cannot sustain an action for

defamation per se.

       {¶26} In order for a statement to be defamatory per se, it must be defamatory

upon the face of the statement. Dudee v. Philpot, 2019-Ohio-3939, 133 N.E.3d 590, ¶ 68

(1st Dist.) citing Becker v. Toulmin, 165 Ohio St. 549, 556, 138 N.E.2d 391 (1956). When

a statement is only defamatory through interpretation, innuendo, or consideration of

extrinsic evidence, then it is defamatory per quod and not defamatory per se. Id. Mitchell’s

defamation complaint centers on the mailer. In Mitchell’s complaint he alleged, “26. Fix’s

statement that Mitchell sent the mailers was false. 27. Fix’s statements were about

Plaintiff Bobby Mitchell – Fix stated that Mitchell sent the mailers.” (Verified Complaint,

page 5). A review of Fix’s Facebook posts and Chief Tussey’s affidavit attached to the

verified complaint shows, however, Fix never stated that Mitchell sent the mailer. Fix
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037                                                 14

stated the PAC sent the mailer. Fix’s Facebook posts and alleged statement as recited in

Chief Tussey’s affidavit requires interpretation and consideration of extrinsic evidence

that Mitchell was responsible for the mailer.

       {¶27} Fix posted on Facebook:

       This mail piece is the most disgusting piece of political advertising I’ve ever

       witnessed. I confronted Bobby Mitchell with all of this yesterday. He

       completely and passionately denied any knowledge of this piece, said it was

       an embarrassment, and immediately made public his disdain for it. And on

       the other side I’ve had some people tell me that Bobby had predicted that a

       PAC would be putting out a mail piece that would be helpful to him.

       At this point, I don’t know what to believe.

       ***

       I hear the passion in Bobby Mitchell’s voice when he declares that he has

       nothing to do with this advertisement. I honestly believe him. But if avoiding

       drama and at the same time supporting those who to job well is the path we

       follow, then perhaps we should all support Brian Randles and Carol Moore

       in Bloom Township and hope that Bobby Mitchell can find a way to become

       a public servant that does not create this type of angst.

Another Facebook post stated:

       The same PAC that “mysteriously” intervened into the Bloom Township race

       has now joined the Canal Winchester City Council race where – not

       coincidentally – Bobby Mitchell’s “God-daughter” is a first time candidate.
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037                                                 15

Another Facebook post stated, “The fact that a PAC is spreading lies like this can easily

be attributed to the fact that Bobby Mitchell is in this race.” Drawing all reasonable

inferences in favor of Mitchell, Mitchell stated a claim for defamation per quod because

Fix implied that Mitchell was involved with the mailer and negative politics through

interpretation and innuendo.

       {¶28} Our analysis does not end here, however. In a claim for defamation per

quod, the plaintiff must allege special damages. “Special damages are damages of such

a nature that they do not follow as a necessary consequence of the claimed injury. * * *

Civ.R. 9(G) requires that if special damages are claimed, they must be specifically stated.”

Peters v. Ohio Dept. of Rehab & Corr., 10th Dist. Franklin No. 14AP-1048, 2015-Ohio-

2668, ¶ 7 quoting Mohican Ents., Inc. v. Aroma Design Group, Inc., 10th Dist. Franklin

No. 96APE01-26 (Sept. 10, 1996). In this case, Mitchell’s allegations regarding damages

cannot sustain an action for defamation per quod because he did not allege special

damages in his verified complaint. “Absent an explanation of how the harm extends

beyond reputation and translates into a separate harm, like an economic harm, the

complaint fails to plead special damages at all, much less with the specificity required by

Civ.R. 9(G).” Martin, 2019-Ohio-2935, ¶ 21.

       {¶29} Accordingly, the trial court did not err in granting Fix’s motion to dismiss

pursuant to Civ.R. 12(B)(6) on Mitchell’s claim for defamation per quod as Mitchell cannot

maintain a defamation per quod claim without pleading special damages. Spitzer v.

Knapp, 5th Dist. Delaware No. 19 CAE 01 0006, 2019-Ohio-2770, 2019 WL 2764071, ¶

52 citing McWreath v. Cortland Bank, 11th Dist. Trumbull No. 2010-T-0023, 2012-Ohio-
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037                                                 16

3013; Peters v. Ohio Dept. of Rehab. & Corr., 10th Dist. Franklin No. 14AP-1048, 2015-

Ohio-2668.

         {¶30} Mitchell’s first Assignment of Error is overruled.

                                        II., III., and IV.

         {¶31} In his second Assignment of Error, Mitchell contends the trial court

improperly based its opinion on certain erroneous conclusions of fact. He argues in his

third Assignment of Error that the trial court erred in finding that Fix’s statements were

privileged. Finally, in his fourth Assignment of Error, he contends the trial court erred in

finding that Fix’s statements were opinions.

         {¶32} This appeal is before us regarding the trial court’s judgment to grant Fix’s

motion to dismiss pursuant to Civ.R. 12(B)(6). Our standard of review on a Civ.R. 12(B)(6)

appeal is de novo, which requires an independent review of the evidence before the trial

court without any deference to the trial court’s determination. In this case, our de novo

review found that Mitchell alleged a claim for defamation per quod but failed to plead

special damages pursuant to Civ.R. 9(G), necessitating a dismissal for failure to state a

claim.

         {¶33} Having determined the trial court's granting of Mitchell’s claim pursuant to

Civ.R. 12(B)(6) on the issue of defamation per quod was appropriate, we find it is

unnecessary to address the Mitchell’s remaining Assignments of Error based on the two-

issue rule. Blackmore v. S. Cent. Power Co., 5th Dist. Fairfield No. 13-CA-54, 2014-Ohio-

2946, 2014 WL 2998702, ¶ 36 citing Hawkins v. World Factory, Inc., 5th Dist. Muskingum

No. CT2012–0007, 2012–Ohio–4579, ¶ 22.

         {¶34} The second, third, and fourth Assignments of Error are overruled.
Fairfield County, Case No. 2022 CA 00037                                           17

                                   CONCLUSION

       {¶35} The judgment of the Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas is affirmed.

By: Delaney, J.,

Hoffman, P.J. and

Baldwin, J., concur.