Dating App Defamation: Jeff Lewis Discusses Anti-SLAPP Protections in the LA Times

Dating in the modern era is difficult enough without the fear of a million-dollar lawsuit hanging over your head. Between ghosting, catfishing, and bad matches, many women have turned to “whisper networks” like the Facebook group “Are we dating the same guy?” to share their experiences and protect one another.

However, as a recent high-profile case in Los Angeles shows, these private warnings can sometimes lead to public legal battles. At Jeff Lewis Law, we have decades of experience defending individuals against these exact types of “bully” lawsuits using California’s powerful Anti-SLAPP statutes.

Recently, First Amendment attorney Jeff Lewis was featured in the Los Angeles Times to provide analysis on a lawsuit filed by a Santa Monica man against ten women who shared their negative dating experiences with him online.

The Case: Stewart Lucas Murrey v. The Facebook “Whisper Network”

The lawsuit involves a Santa Monica man, Stewart Lucas Murrey, who sued a group of women for defamation after they posted about their negative dating experiences with him in a private Facebook group. 

Seeking $2 million in damages, Murrey claimed the women engaged in a “civil conspiracy” to ruin his social status.

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge recently dismissed the suit against one of the lead defendants, ruling that the women’s posts involved a matter of public interest: protecting others from potential harassment. 

Because this case highlights a major shift in how California’s free speech laws apply to social media and dating apps, the LA Times reached out to First Amendment attorney Jeff Lewis for his analysis. Commenting on the aggressive nature of the lawsuit, Jeff told the LA Times:

“People get sued all the time for saying things on Facebook, but a group of women posting about a dating experience with one guy, and the one guy deciding to respond with a lawsuit? It’s very unusual.”

How Anti-SLAPP Protects Your Right to Speak Out

This case is a textbook example of why California’s Anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law is so vital. When someone files a meritless lawsuit intended to silence or intimidate a critic, the Anti-SLAPP motion allows the defendant to:

1. Stop the Bullying Early: Ask the court to dismiss the case before it enters expensive and invasive discovery.
2. Shift the Burden: Force the plaintiff to prove they actually have a winning case right at the start.
3. Recover Costs: If the motion is successful, the person who sued you is typically required to pay your attorney’s fees.

In the LA Times feature, Jeff pointed out that defamation lawsuits are incredibly difficult to win because the plaintiff must prove that the statements made were factually false and caused actual legal damage. 

In the world of dating apps, sharing an opinion on a “bad date” or a “creepy interaction” is a protected exercise of free speech.

Key Free Speech Takeaways for Social Media Users

Whether you are posting a review on Yelp or sharing a warning in a private Facebook group, you have constitutional protections. 

However, as Jeff told the LA Times, “Anytime people say something on the internet, they put themselves at risk of being sued.”

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Truth is a Defense: If your statement is factually accurate, it is not defamation.
• Opinion is Protected: Statements that cannot be proven true or false (e.g., “He was rude”) are generally protected.
• Public Interest Matters: Discussing safety and harassment is considered a matter of public concern, which triggers stronger legal protections.

Frequently Asked Questions: Online Defamation & Anti-SLAPP

1. Can I be sued for a post in a “private” Facebook group? 
   Yes. “Private” does not mean “legally exempt.” If a member of that group shares your post with the subject, they can still attempt to sue you for defamation. This is why having an experienced Anti-SLAPP attorney is critical.
2. Who pays my legal fees if I win an anti-SLAPP motion in California? 
   In California, the anti-SLAPP statute is “fee-shifting.” This means if we successfully move to strike a meritless defamation lawsuit, the person who sued you is legally required to pay your attorney’s fees and court costs. This provision is designed to prevent wealthy plaintiffs from using the legal system to bankroll the silencing of their critics.While there is no guarantee that we will win the Anti-SLAPP motion, if we do win the motion, we will ask the Court to order the plaintiff to pay your attorney’s fees.
3. If I win an Anti-SLAPP motion, do I really get my money back? 
   Yes. California law mandates that a prevailing defendant in an Anti-SLAPP motion is entitled to recover their attorney’s fees and costs. This is designed to discourage “bullies” from using the court system to bankrupt their critics. The Anti-SLAPP law mandates that the Plaintiff pay your fees. We will ask the Court to order the Plaintiff to pay all of your fees. The Judge has the ultimate decision and discretion on how much in fees the Plaintiff should pay. 
4. What should I do if I receive a “Cease and Desist” regarding an online post? 
   Do not panic and do not immediately delete your evidence. Contact a First Amendment lawyer to evaluate if your post is protected. Deleting the post without legal advice can sometimes be used against you as an “admission” of wrongdoing.

Defend Your Voice with Jeff Lewis Law

If you have been targeted by a lawsuit for sharing your experience online, you need a firm that knows how to fight back. We have successfully defended numerous clients in Los Angeles and across California against meritless defamation claims.

Facing a legal threat for speaking your truth? Book a consultation with Jeff Lewis Law today.

*Results are based on facts and law of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee as to your legal matter.