Paris mayor: We intend to sue Fox News

[Cooley Hurd]

Source: kspr

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo told CNN Tuesday she intends to sue Fox News in the wake of the channel's coverage of supposed "no go" zones for non-Muslims.

She said the channel "insulted" her city.

"When we're insulted, and when we've had an image, then I think we'll have to sue, I think we'll have to go to court, in order to have these words removed," Hidalgo told CNN's Christiane Amanpour. "The image of Paris has been prejudiced, and the honor of Paris has been prejudiced."

Hidalgo's remarks came after a series of statements made on Fox that portrayed Muslims in a negative light and were widely challenged as inaccurate.

</snip>

Read more: http://www.kspr.com/life/money/paris-mayor-we-intend-to-sue-fox-news/21052342_30814426

[iandhr]

1. The first Amendment protects everyone.

Then insane wackos at fox. This suit isn't going anywhere.

[COLGATE4]

2. The First Amendment doesn't protect

defamation (which it what it appears the Mayor of Paris is alleging).

[iandhr]

4. Defamation is extremely hard to prove

Especially in in the states. I would love nothing more than seeing fox loose a S*** load of money. I am being realistic.

[roguevalley]

35. libel laws in europe are easier to win there than here. More

power to them. Deliberately defaming someone isn't protected.

[former9thward]

63. Paris courts do not have jurisdiction in the U.S.

[roguevalley]

66. they can sue them there

[Adrahil]

83. And how exactly would that do them any good?

A Civil judgement in France would be impossible to enforce.

[tabasco]

75. Wanna bet?

Also, what's preventing the mayor from suing here, F. Lee?

[former9thward]

80. Happy to bet.

What U.S. law is he going to sue under?

[Ash_F]

45. Are there no-go zones for non-Muslims in Paris?

I think they will have more than enough evidence.

But what is more important than evidence in our lovely justice system is the politics of the of the judge.

[COLGATE4]

51. I agree it's hard, but not impossible to prove. I too

would love to see Fux get their asses handed to them, although in the final analysis it's only $$ of which Rupert has an abundance.

[Adrahil]

82. Defamation is next to impossible to prove.

[COLGATE4]

85. What area of law do you practice in? nt

[Adrahil]

86. Well, let's just see how this goes, eh?

Maybe if you clap your hands enough, it will happen. But don't hold your breath.

[COLGATE4]

96. That's what I thought.

[Adrahil]

98. If they successfully sure, then you can taunt me. If not, well.... told ya so.

[drray23]

3. well this is in france

If fox news wants to operate in europe and France they have to comply with their laws, not our constitution.

[yuiyoshida]

23. if the Trial is in France, do you

think FOX News WILL thumb their noses and say, "Hey, assholes, come get us" ?

I would imagine if that happened, they would never be allowed in the country again, but of course they would find ways around that. Pretty much see Fox News getting away with this unless Ruport Murdock vacations in France, and he is then Arrested.

[closeupready]

29. Seizing assets is not that hard.

And France has reciprocal treaties with the UK, US, Australia, etc.

[yuiyoshida]

31. perhaps...

I would love to see them Break them financially,but it will not happen. The world is pretty much stuck with this stinker!

[branford]

37. Seizing assets based on overseas judgment is VERY hard and often unsuccessful.

Enforcing defamation-type judgments in the USA from countries without our First Amendment protections is even more difficult, and often against public policy.

[closeupready]

43. Not true.

[branford]

59. Have you actually tried to enforce foreign judgments in the USA?

It's not like easily registering judgments between states in America, which also sometimes encounters pitfalls.

I've dealt with the issue professionally, and it's often time-consuming, expensive and problematic. If a company with the resources of FOX news challenged the judgment here, particularly on a matters concerning speech and defamation, where American courts are far more protective, I do not believe Paris would be assured of any success. They might even have to effectively relitigate the entire case to ensure it complied with American First Amendment protections and public policy.

[branford]

61. If you're interested, Eugene Volokh at the Volokh Conspiracy posted a couple of blog entries

about how a French-type defamation judgment could not be enforced in the USA.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/01/20/paris-mayor-threatens-to-sue-fox-for-insulting-paris-and-injuring-its-honor-with-no-go-zones/

http://volokh.com/2013/09/06/fifth-circuit-rejects-canadian-libel-judgment-blogger/

[closeupready]

62. Ok, thanks. I will take a look at these later.

[Ash_F]

47. Fox makes money in France

If there is a trial there and the plaintiffs win, they will get the money. There would be no need to seize assets in either country.

[mwooldri]

70. "News International Phone Hacking Scandal".

Murdoch has to play nice to the UK authorities. As a result of the phone hacking scandal, he was forced to abandon his bid to take over the whole of Sky TV UK - and in the end Sky TV UK acquired 21st Century Fox's Sky TV operations in Germany and Italy. I'm sure he'd love to have total ownership but he is just going to have to be content with 39%.

[PSPS]

6. The whole world doesn't dance to that tune.

If Fox has operations in France or otherwise uses facilities in France, they could very well be held liable. It would depend on French law.

[iandhr]

8. Where was the statement made?

If it was made on camera in Paris then I stand corrected and French law would apply. If it was made only behind an anchor desk in the US then American law applies to the best of my knowledge.

[christx30]

12. If French law doesn't apply here,

then Fox wouldn't lose any money. But France could ban their entire team from the country.
"We'd love to tell you what's going on with their protests, but we've been banned from the country. CNN says 1200 people are dead, and the Eiffel Tower is in ruins, but, that's CNN, and therefor it's anyone's guess. Back to you, Mike."

[AgingAmerican]

19. They could potentially embarass FOX

...if that is even possible...

[jeff47]

50. No, it depends on the law of the country where the suit is filed.

You are trying to apply your understanding of US law to other countries. Not a good idea.

Also, you're wrong about US law. The suit is filed where the harm occurred, not where the statement was made. For example, the recent libel suit that Jessie Ventura won was filed in Minnesota, despite Kyle writing the book in Texas.

[iandhr]

53. I stand corrected

[cstanleytech]

10. Only in the US, not in France and the EU which is probably where

they would file such a suit and considering fox is broadcast worldwide fox might have a hard time wiggling out of the lawsuit based on jurisdiction.

[samsingh]

14. good for her - at least it's an attempt

[JDPriestly]

26. Not in Paris. I don't know what law the mayor could invoke to take Fox to court, but this

is really funny. Fox News is just stupid beyond belief.

Actually, there is this:

Truth is always an absolute defense to a lawsuit for defamation. Corporations cannot sue if honest, unflattering statements are made about them even the statements hurt their reputations. People may freely express facts and opinions about their experiences with corporations if their characterizations are accurate. For example, truthfully stating, "My personal opinion based on my experience is that the company has poor customer service" would generally not be a basis for a defamation lawsuit.

Publication

To allege defamation, corporations must show false statements were made to third parties. This is called "publication" even though it doesn't involve publishing the statement in a newspaper or public forum. For example, you can't be sued for writing a defamatory email that you never send. Generally, you may be sued even if you are not the original publisher of false statements. For example, passing on defamatory rumors may lead to a lawsuit.

Damages

Generally, corporations must show defamatory statements resulted in damages to their businesses or reputations. For example, if you make false statements that cause a corporation to lose customers, you may be sued for the losses it incurred in revenue damages. In some states, like Arizona, defamation suits allow for punitive damages. This means a party may be able to sue for damages beyond the actual losses suffered to punish and deter defamatory communications.

http://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/can-corporations-sue-defamation-5443.html

Get out your popcorn.

The City of Paris has everything to gain from going after Fox News. It makes a great publicity campaign. What fun.

Living in Paris, we used to go for walks and just watch the Parisians argue on the streets about this and that. They love a good, biting conflict of minds. It's quite entertaining once you realize that it is as much about the sparring as anything else.

It may be very unfair of me to say this. But I love France. Vive la France and the street life of Paris.

Oh, and the respect for food is or at least used to be so great that the shops displayed their fruit in beautiful configurations. Nary a rotten grape. It was astounding. I think they must have reviewed the produce on display to pick out the rotting fruit every hour or so, so perfect were the piles of whatever was in season. Compare that to our stores. Ugggh! Sorry, but we could learn a lot from Paris. City of the senses, I would call it. Of course all that may have changed.

Anyway, back to the topic of the OP, I will probably be greatly disappointed in this story because Fox is already apologizing.

What fun. Watching Fox admit it is wrong. And watching the French, the country our Freedom Fries were named after cowing Fox into submission. Woohoo!

[Ferd Berfel]

30. In a French Court?

[roguevalley]

36. welcome aboard, ferd berfel. I love your name :D

[Ferd Berfel]

42. Are you old enough

to remember Laugh-In?

[Dustlawyer]

33. Fox News won a court battle with the Court of Appeals saying it was ok for Fox News to lie,

because Fox News isn't news, it's "entertainment!"

[rogerashton]

54. That was not in a French court, though. eom

[11 Bravo]

38. Last time I checked Paris was in France and the 1st Amendment applied ...

to Americans. Have I missed something?

[RoccoR5955]

57. Not if they are tried in France!

If they are tried in France, the French could well end up OWNING Fox EVERYTHING!
I hope to hell they go for all the marbles, and succeed.
Fox needs to be shut down, and if this is a means to shut it down, so be it!

[former9thward]

64. All incorrect.

No law would allow it. Just the Mayor doing PR. No suit will be filed.

[RoccoR5955]

67. I sure hope you are wrong.

Hey, I can dream, can't I?

[former9thward]

68. We can all dream.

And sometimes they come true!

[dballance]

78. You are so sadly mistaken if you think the First Amendment applies internationally.

The First Amendment only applies to the US government. It does not and cannot apply to the laws of other countries.

They are quite free to prosecute people who publish in their country.

[ashling]

79. Two things

1. The Amendment protect persons in this country from actions of the government. No government action, no protection.

2. It does not cover defamation, lies, innuendo - libel or slander

[snooper2]

5. wonder why they didn't sue after Team America World Police came out

opening scene is all Paris-

[7962]

13. Oh man, I need to go watch that movie again. Thanks for the clip.

[The CCC]

7. Paris mayor: We intend to sue Fox News

I agree that Faux News insulted Paris France. It was a stupid, and probably malicious, thing to do. However; In the US we have freedom of expression. We are free to say stupid and malicious things. The good Mayor of France has no standing in American courts to sue for anything.

[Diclotican]

15. The CCC

The CCC

So we don't have freedom of expression here in Europe - is it was you try to tell? - Freedom of expression comes with responsibity - something I suspect mos americans have forgotten - they know the first sentence - but have forgotten the second half.. as they did with the 2th admedment about beening part of a militisa under the State controll... and all that...

If Fox news want to operate in France, or for that matter in Europe - they better know their responsiblity too - not just freedom of experssion - as Fox News would have been banned years ago if they had been operated in most of europe - becouse they LIE all the time... And I suspect they do have some standing - if the major of Paris (France) sue Fox news in France - not in the US... As Fox news is bound by local laws if operating outside of the US...

Diclotican

[Pooka Fey]

25. +1

[JDPriestly]

27. Was it broadcast in France?

[DeSwiss]

73. Freedom of expression does not give one the right to LIE.

And knowingly lying is worse. Even the well-known ''public persons'' distinction won't save one from intentional lying in America. And many of these provisions have been made international in their scope.

- Supposedly.

[SeattleVet]

9. The 1st Amendment covers Congress making laws,

not Fox News making stupid statements about a foreign city.

They also didn't state where the suit would be filed and tried; there's a decent chance that it will be in a place other than the US where the 1st Amendment has no standing whatsoever.

[msongs]

11. cities cannot be insulted. its insulting to claim so. is that grounds for an insulting suit as well|

[BrotherIvan]

22. I think she is addressing their tourist industry

That it will be harmed by claiming that Paris is dangerous. I think that is the "image" she is referring to. She does have a point and I think they could quantify it that way as tourism is extremely important to France.

[JDPriestly]

28. Maybe this.

Truth is always an absolute defense to a lawsuit for defamation. Corporations cannot sue if honest, unflattering statements are made about them even the statements hurt their reputations. People may freely express facts and opinions about their experiences with corporations if their characterizations are accurate. For example, truthfully stating, "My personal opinion based on my experience is that the company has poor customer service" would generally not be a basis for a defamation lawsuit.

Publication

To allege defamation, corporations must show false statements were made to third parties. This is called "publication" even though it doesn't involve publishing the statement in a newspaper or public forum. For example, you can't be sued for writing a defamatory email that you never send. Generally, you may be sued even if you are not the original publisher of false statements. For example, passing on defamatory rumors may lead to a lawsuit.

Damages

Generally, corporations must show defamatory statements resulted in damages to their businesses or reputations. For example, if you make false statements that cause a corporation to lose customers, you may be sued for the losses it incurred in revenue damages. In some states, like Arizona, defamation suits allow for punitive damages. This means a party may be able to sue for damages beyond the actual losses suffered to punish and deter defamatory communications.

http://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/can-corporations-sue-defamation-5443.html

[jeff47]

60. The other important thing to remember is they don't have to sue in the US.

So US law may be completely irrelevant.

[merrily]

32. No but they can have their reputations harmed and suffer economic damage as a result.

That is just a general comment as a practical reality. I don't whether that happened in this instance or is grounds for a lawsuit under the laws that would apply to this case.

[Avalux]

40. Fox news lied. That's what the suit will be about.

Understandably she's trying to make a point; it's insulting to Parisians to see their city portrayed in a disingenuous manner by a global media outlet to the US, and the rest of the world. That's not what the suit is about. Fox does this crap and LIES all the time, I'm glad someones calling them on the carpet.

[rogerashton]

55. Don't get me started about New York.

But, then I wouldn't be insulting the place, right?

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

100. Cities are people, too, and can feel insulted!

Or is that just corporations?

What about incorporated cities? Whatever they are.

It's all so confusing. I feel insulted by my confusion.

[7962]

16. A quick Google search finds why it was easy for Fox to make the statement in the first place

There are plenty of articles and clips that speak about this, mostly concerning France. I heard about it years ago.

[karynnj]

89. Even a middle school child is told not to believe everything they find on the internet

The places with that garbage were all part of the right wing sewer. It seems to me that a source that could not be cited for even a middle school (or even elementary school) paper can not be justification for Fox News repeating it unvetted.

[7962]

99. Actually, after listening again, Fox nevr actually says there ARENT no go zones

Its a finely crafted statement for some reason. Seems like its more a matter of semantics; there are "sensitive zones", but they dont call them "no go" zones. But where have all the riots been located? The "sensitive zones".

[heaven05]

17. I really wish

they could hurt those RW clowns that did the story and the organization in general. Just a wish.

[merrily]

34. +1. I have a feeling many share your wish.

I wish that "clap if you believe" thing would work on message board wishes.

[lobodons]

18. Challenge to a Duel

Paris Mayor should challenge Rupert Murdoch to a Duel.

[geretogo]

20. The Paris Mayor would do better declaring war on Fox News as a terrorist organization which it is .

[Cryptoad]

21. aready been done.....

Fl 2009, Fox admitted to lying and the court they had Right to do so!

[JonLP24]

24. Does she remember the French boycott?

LOL - I hope she wins.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

39. FOX "News" needs to learn it ain't true just because "Some people say,...".

[HoosierRadical]

41. It is one thing to be a joke for all conservative media,

but now Fox is making our entire country look ignorant. What will the world think about us to now know that a very large segment of the US population takes Fox seriously.

[Turbineguy]

44. Good.

It's about time somebody did.

[onehandle]

46. Vive la France! nt

[big_dog]

48. Vive le France! Je suis Charlie

n/t

[vkkv]

49. Can one really sue STUPID?

Lesson is, "Take the stairs!" Gufaw gufaw! hyuck, hyuck, hyuck!

[colsohlibgal]

52. Impressionnant!

This made my day.

[LiberalLovinLug]

56. Off with their heads!

[Neon Gods]

58. Hail to the French!

Fox News has been lying to us for years and yet few in authority ever fight back or make as issue of it. But when Fox lies about Paris they get all pissed and sue their asses. They won't win but at least they fight back.

[LeftishBrit]

65. London and Birmingham should do so too!

[Beartracks]

69. Not even just an "insult," there are probably economic ramifications.

If tourism drops because of FOX's arrogant/ignorant falsehood, that's a huge thing.

====================

[NBachers]

71. La Marseillaise!

[YOHABLO]

72. I'd love to leave this world knowing FOX has been taken down.

No one can say that MSNBC is the left's equivalency to FOX, no way. FOX is simply an extension of the RIGHTS agenda. Pure propaganda that Joesph Goebbels would be proud of. We should do everything we can to change their programming. Probably get rid of News Corp and the Murdoch dynasty altogether. I know, dream on

[appalachiablue]

76. Well said, something to really look forward to, yay!

[DeSwiss]

74. GREAT IDEA!

- Maybe other cities will follow suit and we can either drive it into the ground or force it to report real news when they have to fire their liars, political losers and bimbots.

Thanks for the idea Mayor Hidalgo!!!

K&R

[appalachiablue]

77. Magnifique! Vive la France et Paris.

[Enthusiast]

81. K&R! This post should have hundreds of recommendations!

[T_i_B]

84. Do these fuckwits never learn?

They didn't get away with lying about Birmingham, so what makes them think they can get away with lying about Paris?

[Surya Gayatri]

87. "I am French, excuse my English. All French mock Fox News now."

"I am French, excuse my English. All French mock Fox News now.

Especially the episode with the specialist who speaks of "Iraq, Afghanistan"; tee-shirts "bin laden" (we do not even know it existed tee shirts like that) and "no-go-zone" Montmartre, Republic, Magenta ... Haha.

This is incredible! Me who lives Republic (which is an area rich!) When I saw that I not believe my eyes ... That's your channels of information ????

It's a comedy? This is frankly a shame that the 1st world power have this kind of news channel who trade the reality with as much force.

I invite all Americans to come in this "no go zone" to see the extent of the damage of your "information channels" And these are "specialists" and more !!!
It is inconceivable that a news channel like that exists
here in France."~~Alain Benoist

_______________

A big hat-tip to my French compatriot who wrote this comment in response to Mediaite's posting of more French lampooning of FOX.

For any French people who might not yet have heard of the so-called news service, (which is generally unavailable in France), this has been their introduction! LOL!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-cl=84359240&v=I92Nx6MxQr0&x-yt-ts=1421782837

http://www.mediaite.com/tv/french-comedians-dress-up-as-fox-news-journalists-enter-paris-no-go-zones/

[countryjake]

91. Don't forget this hilarious Le Petit Journal from a week ago...

Le Petit Journal, a French infotainment broadcast make fun of Fox news, which distort reality by exaggerating and using false informations.

Here's their exposé of Fox's reporting of "no go zones":


http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=28b_1421201170#22Z83v94F5mxWf5P.99

[Surya Gayatri]

92. Here's the same video embedded from YouTube:

[countryjake]

93. But that one doesn't show the whole piece, Fox's "Barbie & Ken"...

I looked all over YouTube to find the same vid LiveLeak has, that entire Le Petit Journal exposé, but only found some without the English subtitles.

The way Le Petit Journal showed Fox's Elisabeth Hasselbeck interviewing Nolan Peterson, their "specialist commentary on no go zones"...just Yann Barthès' facial expressions had me falling off my chair laughing during that first part of the LiveLeak video.

[Surya Gayatri]

94. I saw that, but couldn't find "la version integrale" on YT...

It is indeed classic comedy stuff.

When you can understand both the French and English, it doubles the hilarity!

[countryjake]

95. Young Turks covered it a bit more extensively, first showing Hasselbeck & Peterson

and then including the Le Petit Journal smack down of Fox with the helmet-clad investigators questioning people in those "no go zones". The ending of this one is good, too.

(I tried watching and understanding some of Yann Barthès' other programs; Le Petit Journal really should be translated for us dummies over here. I took two years of French in high school and could barely make out a thing he was saying. Subtitles, we need subtitles!)

[Surya Gayatri]

97. Afraid I'm not your guy when it comes to photoshopping,

text altering, etc. Total neophyte here.

But, I agree. More sources of humor, from more international sources would certainly widen the horizons around here!

[mountain grammy]

88. Fox is waging war against 1.6 billion Muslims, and they'll stop at nothing..

they may apologize here, but Fox is speaking to the fears of millions of Americans. Very scary.

[calimary]

90. DO IT!!!!!