Watkins Law Wins Under New York's Anti-SLAPP Law

Under New York's recently amended anti-SLAPP law, Sureme Court Justice Kevin Bryant granted a motion to dismiss defamation claims brought against two residents of a Fallsburg mobile home park by the park's operator. In addition, the court allowed the two residents to pursue counter-claims.

Christopher Watkins, the residents' lawyer, had this to say about the decision:  “This kind of lawsuit is precisely why New York amended its anti-SLAPP law. My clients lived with raw sewage inside their homes for years due to the neglect of the owners and management of Foxcroft Village, and when they spoke out and sought help, they were slapped with a $2 million lawsuit for defamation. The new anti-SLAPP law levels the playing field. This decision should be a warning to other bullies: You can no longer use the courts as a weapon to silence your critics.”

A story about the case may be found here: https://midhudsonnews.com/2022/07/06/foxcroft-villages-defamation-claims-dismissed/