Defamation Suit Over Businessman’s Wife Calling Prominent Businesswoman “Prostitute” Dismissed
From today’s decision by Judge Charlotte Sweeney in Mai v. Elsaden (D. Colo.):
This case begins with a conversation. Plaintiff Tiffany Mai alleges that on Friday, July 5, 2024, Defendant Laura Elsaden—without provocation—described Ms. Mai as a prostitute to partygoers at a dance. This description, Ms. Mai alleges, is wrong and has caused her approximately $50,000,000 in damages.
The court concluded that Mai was a public figure:
Ms. Mai alleges the following throughout her complaint:
- She is an “award-winning businesswoman and philanthropist who has achieved considerable success as the owner of multiple insurance agencies in Colorado and California and is the founder of several entrepreneurial ventures;”
- She has “prominence in business and social circles;”
- She, along with her husband, run the “prestigious C Lazy U Ranch,” that is “known for its elite membership and guests from around the world,” and the Ranch is “valued at over $7.9 million;”
- Mai maintains the Ranch to “cultivate and maintain business relationships;”
- The Ranch is a “premier, luxury dude ranch for discerning travelers and guests;”
- Guests visit the
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