Jurors find Rolling Stone defamed UVa associate dean in later-retracted article about gang rape
Federal jurors in Charlottesville, Virginia, on Friday found Rolling Stone magazine was liable for defamation in a story about an alleged gang rape at the University of Virginia, which was later retracted.
Jurors ruled for former school administrator Nicole Eramo, who had alleged she was portrayed as the “chief villain” in the article, which depicted her as unresponsive to the rape complaint. Jurors found the magazine, its publisher and the journalist who wrote the story were liable, report the Washington Post, CNN Money, the Associated Press and the Hollywood Reporter.
A lawyer for Rolling Stone had argued the magazine was the victim of a hoax, and it had not acted with actual malice. The lawyer for Eramo had argued the magazine had “a preconceived story line” and had ignored conflicting information.
Jurors have not yet determined damages. Eramo had asked for $7.5 million.
Another suit filed by the fraternity where the rape was said to have taken place is pending against the magazine.
