I called Minneapolis Police Department Katie Blackwell’s defamation lawsuit against Alpha News (on whose board I sit) and Liz Collin “Blackwell’s folly.” The alleged liability of Alpha News derived from our support of the film The Fall Of Minneapolis (still available for free on YouTube). Blackwell’s lawsuit resulted in a court order finding the allegedly defamatory statements to be substantially true. Please see the linked post for the background and Judge Wahl’s 58-page order dismissing Blackwell’s case.
Blackwell has now agreed to dismiss the case and abandon further proceedings. She has waived her right to file an appeal. In addition, she has agreed to pay defense counsel (Madel PA) $75,000 to reimburse the firm for defendants’ legal fees and expenses, with $50,000 being paid within five days and $25,000 being paid within 120 days. In addition, Blackwell has agreed to sign a declaration affirming Judge Wahl’s ruling, including his finding that the statements were not only not defamatory but also substantially true.
We are most grateful for the compelling work of Chris Madel and his team on our behalf. Chris’s work led to Judge Wahl’s scrupulous order vindicating Alpha News, Liz’s reporting, and The Fall of Minneapolis.
