Appeals Court Vacates Roy Moore's $8.2 Million Defamation Judgment
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals this week overturned Roy Moore's $8.2 million defamation judgment against the Democratic-aligned Senate Majority PAC, ruling he failed to prove the political ad defamed him (MS NOW).
A federal jury had awarded Moore $8.2 million in August 2022, including $200,000 in compensatory damages and $8 million in punitive damages (MS NOW). The appeals panel said Moore did not show actual malice, the legal standard requiring proof defendants knew a statement was false or recklessly disregarded its truth (MS NOW).
The episode traces back to Moore's 2017 U.S. Senate campaign when news reports published allegations that multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct. Nine women later went public with allegations, including claims he pursued relationships with teenagers and initiated sexual contact with a 14-year-old. During the final weeks of the campaign, a Senate Majority PAC ad cited those reports and said Moore was banned from a mall for soliciting young girls, noting one he approached was 14. Moore sued the PAC and others in November 2019, and a federal jury found the ad defamatory in August 2022.
Supporters of the PAC hailed the appeals decision as a First Amendment win, while critics said it left open questions about accountability in political advertising. Social posts celebrated the reversal and noted that the court concluded Moore had not proved the malice required to sustain his defamation claim.
The appeals court's ruling has been celebrated on social media as a significant First Amendment victory for the Senate Majority PAC, with legal analysts like @EWess92 highlighting that the decision hinged on Moore's failure to demonstrate actual malice, a key requirement in defamation cases. This outcome resonates with broader discussions about the challenges of holding political figures accountable for their actions, particularly in the context of allegations of sexual misconduct. The polarized nature of public opinion on these issues, as noted in a study by Hannah Shoaf and Sarah J. Jackson, suggests that perceptions of Moore's actions and the subsequent legal battles reflect deeper cultural divides in American society regarding sexual violence and accountability.
Critics of the ruling, including some legal commentators, argue that it raises concerns about the adequacy of current defamation laws in protecting individuals from potentially harmful misinformation in political advertising. David A. Logan's 2020 paper in the UCLA Law Review Discourse advocates for a reassessment of the actual malice standard, suggesting that the rise of digital media has made the existing framework increasingly outdated. This ongoing debate indicates that while the court's decision may be seen as a victory for free speech, it simultaneously underscores the complexities surrounding accountability in political discourse.
Show source details & analysis (1 source)
📊 Relevant Data
Nine women publicly accused Roy Moore of sexual misconduct during his 2017 Senate campaign, including allegations of pursuing romantic relationships with teenagers and initiating sexual contact with a 14-year-old girl. ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations)) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roy_Moore_sexual_misconduct_allegations))
Roy Moore sexual misconduct allegations — Wikipedia
The disputed Senate Majority PAC ad included the statement: 'Moore was actually banned from the Gadsden Mall ... for soliciting sex from young girls. One he approached was 14 and working as Santa's helper.' ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit)) ([The New Yorker](https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-the-south/roy-moore-was-banned-from-the-mall-but-won-his-defamation-suit))
Roy Moore Was Banned from the Mall but Won His Defamation Suit — The New Yorker
In the 2022 trial, a federal jury awarded Roy Moore $8.2 million, consisting of $200,000 in compensatory damages and $8 million in punitive damages, finding the PAC's ad defamatory. ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac)) ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2022/08/13/1117365135/roy-moore-defamation-suit-award-super-pac))
📌 Key Facts
- The 11th Circuit issued a 45-page opinion overturning Roy Moore’s $8.2 million defamation award on April 24, 2026.
- The court ruled Moore did not prove actual malice by Senate Majority PAC in a 2017 ad citing misconduct allegations.
- Judge Elizabeth Branch wrote that the evidence showed, at most, a negligent error in the ad’s wording.
- Moore sued the PAC in 2019 over an ad suggesting he pursued a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old girl during his 2017 Senate campaign.
- Moore’s lawyer is weighing a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court, while the PAC called the decision a complete vindication.
📰 Source Timeline (1)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time