John E. Settle Jr., the editor and publisher of Focus SB/The Inquisitor newspapers, has filed a lawsuit against Shreveport City Councilman James Green defamation and damages
The suit stems from actions made by Green at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 25.
According to the suit, on that date, Green made many defamatory statements about Settle in the council chambers after the agenda items had been concluded.
Those statements included describing Settle as a "disbarred attorney, low grade," who was upset "because Councilwoman Taylor wouldn't sleep with him."
Green further allegedly claimed that Settle broke the law "by coming up here and bringing me a check. He put some checks on some other council members' stations.
"The TV station, the young black ladies, they could sue him (Settle) because what happens when they come down here, he follows 'em all outside. He runs behind black women all the time, and that's wrong."
Green also allegedly encouraged advertisers not to advertise in his paper.
A video of this meeting in which these remarks were made will be made available at trial, which Settle will introduce as Plaintiff's Exhibit B.
The suit further stipulates that, although Green did not name Settle or his publication directly, "from the context of his comments, it was apparent to all ... that his remarks were referring" to Settle and Focus SB/The Inquisitor.
Settle claims that Green's comments were "published" by his direct communication to third parties, that they were factually false and defamatory and have caused personal and economic damage to Settle, and were intentional and intended to inflict emotional distress and economic hardship to Settle.
Green's comments were not related to any of his actions as a member of the council nor were they related to any matters conducted by the council.
After a trial on the merit, Settle is requesting a judgment against Green for defamation and damages to be awarded by the court.