Law Suit Against Nancy Grace and CNN to Continue

A federal judge recently denied a motion to dismiss a lawsuit against Nancy Grace and CNN.  The suit was brought by the family of a women who appeared on Nancy's show and killed herself shortly thereafter.

Melinda Ducket appeared on the show in september of 2006 in an effort to help find her missing son Trenton.  But, like the annoying shrill she is, the complaint alleges Nancy Grace proceeded to “subject [Duckett] to outrageous conduct such as severe interrogation, fist pounding and veiled accusations that she was responsible for her [son’s] disappearance and death.”  Before the interview aired Melinda killed herself.  Her family is suing Nancy personally and CNN alleging intentional infliction of emotional distress as well as other claims.

Nancy and CNN moved to dismiss, claiming “The law does not permit people to recover money from reporters who ask routine questions while covering stories of national significance to the public. Plaintiffs have no valid cause of action, and this misguided lawsuit should be dismissed.”  The judge disagreed, although he did acknowledge the plaintiffs will have a difficult time winning.  When a motion to dismiss is filed, the judge most view the facts of the case in the light most favorable to the non moving party, and in doing that, he allowed the case to go forward.  You can read the ruling here.

“We look forward to pursuing this case all the way to trial against Nancy Grace and showing that you can’t deceive guests on your show,” said the family’s lawyer, Jay Deratany.

A spokeswoman for CNN said: “This is only a procedural ruling about whether the case should be allowed to go forward. It does not mean that the claims are likely to succeed. We stand by Nancy Grace and her show, and we look forward to the opportunity to mount a full defense in court.”

A case with similar facts has been brought against NBC's To Catch a Predator.  So, what do you think?  Do these shows go too far?

source

Comments

[Sivy]

I do think that these shows go to far... I have thought from the first episode of To Catch A Predator, that NBC was going to get themselves into trouble with that concept. And I find Nancy Grace disgusting. I remember once - a couple of years ago - an airplane over CA had some sort of landing gear issue, had to dump the fuel and make an emergency landing. When the plane landed safely good ol Nancy was visabily dissapointed. I guess it would have made better TV if everyone on the plane died?

[baltimoregal]

GOOD. "Routine questions" my ass. In what world does publicly branding and abusing a woman who has a missing child count as routine? Nancy Grace is NOT law enforcement and as far as I am concerned she was guilty of assault.

[B]

While I do not approve of, nor to I watch, Nancy Grace, I do not think this woman's suicide is her fault. That is basically what the suit is about. Nancy Grace is WELL KNOWN for her bulldog-on-a-bone demeanor. I think the woman's lawyers were CRAZY for allowing their client to go on this show. Greta, maybe. Nancy Grace? NEVER!

As for "To Catch a Predator", I really believe it served the purpose of letting parents in on the real dangers that can lurk online if one is not diligent. After that, it became a circus.

[Snarky Amber]

HATE. Nancy Grace. I think she's pure evil. She seems to delight in the horrid details of some of the worst tragedies in life. Just seeing her can make my stomach turn.

[Stevie]

I despise Nancy Grace and everything that woman stands for. But, I do think she was within her bounds. As someone had said, she's known for being a bit of a c*nt. It was dumb of the woman's law team to let her go on Nancy's show but I don't feel she should be held accountable for her suicide. And honestly, when a child goes missing a majority of the time the parents ARE involved. Heartbreakingly sad, but true.

[michele]

they def. go too far. how do they sleep at night?

[Gina]

I think Nancy Grace gives journalists a bad name. She reminds me of the popular girls in jr high and high school always ragging on the unpopular kids trying to get them to break. I can't stand her and can't believe that not only does she have a job doing this but that her employer claims she is legit.

[Patty]

I am no NG fan, however, this lawsuit is ridiculous. NG didn't make this girl kill herself. The parents of Melinda Duckett had nothing to do with her for years. The parents of Melinda Duckett NEVER met their grandson Trenton. Now they want to profit from this girls death. Where were they when she needed them? They refused Melinda's request to go to Florida when the baby was allegedly kidnapped. I find it outrageous that they are suing Melinda's ex husband Joshua along with NG. That young man was trying to get custody of his son from an obviously mentally ill woman. Any lawyer who would bring such a meritless lawsuit before the court should be closely looked at http://overlawyered.com/2006/11/nancy-grace-sued-for-guests-suicide/

[Jaymie Chetley]

Your all crazy,Nancy Grace is the most respected Defense laywer,She has NEVER Lost A case ever,So wither or not she a bitch who cares this wmen has put away the most dangerious people and child killrs and u want to knock her ,get a life everyone!!!Or a job!!

[Jaymie Chetley]

Sorry everyone I accidentally put Defence lawyer and i meant former Prosecutor,That has never lost a case,I was thinking of someone else while writing this.O and thanks Jodi for reminding me!!