BVBL Legal Defense Fund
The Lawsuit
Black Velvet Bruce Lee is a website, or “blog” that provides information and commentary to voters in Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park Virginia about candidates for office, elected officials and local political issues. Like any political commentary, there are those who appreciate the commentary on the site, and those who do not. One candidate, who was particularly displeased decided that instead of arguing the facts, he would try to intimidate the authors into silence by filing a defamation lawsuit.
This lawsuit is completely without merit, but defending against any lawsuit requires quality counsel which can be very expensive. It may be easier to try to settle this lawsuit for less than what attorney costs are likely to amount to, but the precedent this case would set would be very detrimental to the future ability of a citizen to criticize candidates and public officials and harm our democracy.
Litigation Status
Greg Letiecq has been served, but John Doe (Black Velvet Bruce Lee) has not been identified. A responsive pleading will soon be filed with the court providing Greg’s response. A trial date has not yet been set.
The Issues
This lawsuit tests a citizen’s ability to provide information to others that he believes to be truthful and accurate, and whether it is acceptable for a candidate to silence critics through the threat or actual filing of a lawsuit.
Commentary
This lawsuit has generated several newspaper articles and plenty of commentary on the internet:
Newspapers
Manassas Journal-Messenger: Chapman misses 50th deadline, May 31, 2006
Manassas Journal-Messenger: Chapman files blog suit, June 3, 2006
Blogs
Commonwealth Conservative: Steve Chapman is embarrasing himself
Virginia Virtucon: Blog-a-thon
Not Larry Sabato: Outrage
New Dominion: So Sue Me
Too Conservative: CHAPMAN CAMPAIGN BLAMES BVBL FOR MISSING FILING DEADLINE
Jaded JD: “And they shall know that I am THE LORD, when I lay my vengeance upon them.”
Brian Patton: Bloggers Beware
SLANTblog: Black Velvet Bruce Lee Sue-icide
Virginia Virtucon: BVBL faces Legal Eagles over Chapman allegations
One Man’s Trash: The JD Investigates
Virginia Centrist: Blogger threatened by public official
Craig’s Musings: The lamest candidate excuse ever
Not Larry Sabato: Chapman Lawsuit Continues
Free Republic: Candidate misses filing deadline; Claims blogger distracted him; Files $200K lawsuit
Virginia Virtucon: Black Velvet if you Please
Quotes
“I fear having to ask permission from the courts to speak my mind. I fear living in a country where reasonable people don’t bother speaking up because they are afraid of a lawsuit. I fear the intimidation Chapman’s lawsuit was designed to instill in people will become the norm. I fear living in a community where political activist stay at home because they don’t want to bankrupt their families by annoying the wrong people.”
– Russell Harrison, commenting on Not Larry Sabato on June 22
BVBL Commentary
Millions for Defense, but not one cent in tribute
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance
Purpose of the Legal Defense Fund
This fund will be used to help defray the legal expenses incurred by the defendants in this case. If you have special instructions on how your donations should be used, please use the contact email at the top right of this page.
How to Contribute
Mail your check to BVBL Legal Defense Fund, 9702 Dublin Drive, Manassas VA 20109. Please make your check payable to Greg Letiecq, and note “BVBL Legal Defense Fund”.An online contribution is also possible. Your assistance in this important fight is greatly appreciated!
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