https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/68891856/1/paul-v-findeisen/
On June 27, 2024, the YouTuber and current WWE United States Champion Logan Paul sued Stephen Findeisen, the scam-busting YouTuber Coffeezilla, for defamation in the Western District of Texas over his coverage of Paul’s failed blockchain project CryptoZoo. I have extensively looked at the case based on a tip received from fellow moderator @Chronus, and I am in firm belief that the case can easily be dismissed as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP).
FACTS OF THE CASE:
- The case was assigned to Orlando Luis Garcia, a Democratic former state legislator from Jim Wells County who was nominated by President Clinton on November 19, 1993.
- Paul is represented by Shelby L. O’Brien, a certified, award-winning civil appellate attorney from Enoch Kever PLLC.
- In the case, Paul is claiming that Coffeezilla is continuing to publish false information for clout and financial gain, specifically noting that he created a Patreon account shortly after his first video on the project.
- Paul also claimed he relied solely on advisors Eddie Ibanez & “Crypto King” Jake Greenbaum, who according to Paul torpedoed his vision and deceived him all throughout the development process.
- Paul has given over $1 million (of a promised $2.3 million) in refund agreements to buyers who are forced to waive their ability to sue.
HOW THE CASE CAN BE DISMISSED AS A SLAPP:
Amendments to the Texas Citizens Participations Act (which went into effect on September 1, 2019) provides a remedy against lawsuits
- based on, or in response to the defendant’s rights of association, free speech, or petition
- arising from a party’s “communication or conduct (such as gathering information for communication to the public).”
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.27.htm
The case largely revolves around Coffeezilla’s rights to free speech, which is defined in the law as communication made in connection with a matter of public concern, such as statements about a public official, public figure, or another person who has drawn substantial public attention due to their official acts. Paul is considered a public figure in this case, as he is
- A YouTuber
- A film star
- A former television personality
- The host of the Impaulsive podcast
- The current WWE United States Champion
- The co-founder of Prime Hydration, LLC
Once Coffeezilla files a motion to dismiss these claims as a SLAPP, Paul would have 60 days to establish a probability of success on his merits. If the case is dismissed, Paul would be held liable for all costs and attorney’s fees.
