The lawsuit explains that the news outlet published false information about Parks to generate interest in a book, Lies of a Real Housewife, written by Angela Stanton. In said book, Stanton claims she and Parks led a life of crime.
Parks is seeking a jury trial, retractions, $5M in compensatory and $25M in punitive damages.
“While Plaintiff recognizes the importance of the role of the media in reporting on public figures, Defendant and other members of the media are not granted an unfettered right or privilege under the First Amendment to defame public figures by publishing false and defamatory accusations with actual malice,” reads the lawsuit. “As a result of its conduct, Defendant crossed the threshold from speech protected by the First Amendment to enter the arena of actionable defamation of a public figure for which they must be held legally accountable.”
Parks outlines in the lawsuit that Stanton’s book “falsely portrays the relationship between Plaintiff and Stanton as that of friends and accomplices in criminal activity.” However, Parks says she met Stanton years ago through a past client, but maintains the two were never friends or associates.
The lawsuit also lists a number of articles that point to defamation including a March 14 piece called “Real Housewives of Atlanta Star Phaedra Parks Exposed,” which claims Parks is a “crooked” attorney who knowingly commits crimes and covers it up.
Since the lawsuit has been filed, Stanton has responded via Twitter and questions why Parks is suing Vibe Holdings instead of her. “Notice she went after Vibe & not me! She knows she don’t stand a chance when it comes to the Truth! This ain’t about $,” she tweeted.
