Calling Someone a "Twisted Moron" Isn't Libelous

"The statement at issue here is plainly an opinion, albeit an unflattering one."

Good to know! And obviously correct. The decision is from Maine Superior Court Judge Harold Stewart, II (Cumberland County), in John B. Pride, Inc. v. Kinch, 2020 WL 7223004 (handed down in September but just posted to Westlaw).

Comments

[Commenter_XY]

Calling someone a twisted moron is not libelous, but it is certainly pretty tame considering dialogue these days.

[Dr. Ed 2]

Well, technically, "Moron" means IQ between 51-80.

Now, saying that one had an IQ between 51-80, if in fact one didn't, would be libelous, wouldn't it?

[Kevin Smith]

I believe that ceased to be the technical (medical) meaning in 1983 when it was removed from the ICD. Now it only has its colloquial meaning

[CJColucci]

It might be false, but why would it be libelous? Half of all people have below-average IQs.

[Kevin Smith]

But how many have one below 70? That's 2 standard deviation below the mean

[David Nieporent]

But how many have one below 70?

Well, Trump got 74 million votes…

[Jerry B.]

Can the morons sue for being compared to the complainant?

[Bored Lawyer]

How about an "untwisted moron?" Or just a plain "moron."

[Rev. Arthur L. Kirkland]

While Republican elected officials evoke violence against Electoral College delegates; propose to invoke the Insurrection Act to overturn an American presidential election; and consider formal Congressional action with respect to illusory election fraud, some prominent movement conservatives diddle with 'twisted moron' disputes.

#ConservativeCourage

[Rev. Arthur L. Kirkland]

. . . speaking of twisted morons" . . .

Carry on, clingers.

[StellaLink]

Former Houston police captain Mark Aguirre.

Name rings a bell. Seems he was one of the "witnesses" who submitted sworn affidavits in a bogus Republican lawsuit agaist the Harris County clerk alleging a fraud scheme back in October. Yeah, a sworn affidavit--that's real evidence.

https://texasscorecard.com/local/affidavits-allege-democrat-officials-planning-colossal-illegal-ballot-harvesting-scheme/

[Ridgeway]

In his defense, he had to put up with Isiah Thomas for several seasons. That is enough to warp anyone.

[Don Nico]

Twisted moron = Clinger Arthur L. Kirkland

[Chuck P. (The Artist formerly known as CTSP)]

Your Trumptator fan-fiction is derivative and boring.

[mydisplayname]

Only a twisted moron would ask the Senate President to reject Virginia's electoral college votes based upon the fact that some signatories thereto failed to comply with the requirements promulgated as part of Virginia's readmission to the Union. But even a twisted moron, like a broken clock, is periodically correct: just ask Mississippi how important those readmission requirements are.

[loki13]

Well, truth is defense.

[Ridgeway]

What about a partial defense? Like when Spike Milligan was called a "filthy Irish pervert," and he claimed libel on the grounds that he was not Irish.

[Jimmy the Dane]

Plaintiff John B. Pride must have had his pride hurt...

[Pavel Petrovich]

So plaintiff's lawyer was sanctioned for bringing a frivolous suit? Vexatious litigation, or just the jewish game of making money arguing over nothing?

[3ducerist]

Politicians are excellent at making money (and power, influence, etc) arguing (and posturing) over nothing. I like them less than lawyers. Though honestly I've had it a bit easy in the lawyering area since the few lawyers I've known personally have been good, ethical ones.