Tom Tugend wrote a good story in today’s Jewish Journal about my court victory in Neuwirth v. Silverstein. It lays out a little bit of the history of my case and the one involving Chaim Seidler Feller that preceded it.
There are two highly amusing allegations leveled by her attorney, the estimable Chuck “We’ll Take It to the Supreme Court” Fonarow. First, he alleges that Joel Beinin and I showed “actual malice” in defaming Neuwirth. What’s so odd about this claim is that he didn’t even make it in his case against us. In order to prove libel against a public figure a defendant has to show “malice.” Yet he never alleged this because he believed it would be patently obvious to the court that Neuwirth was a private figure. What Fonarow apparently forgot was that Neuwirth brags all over the web that she’s an internationally respected journalist. The judge took note of this even if Fonarow didn’t.
Further, Fonarow alleges that I called Neuwirth “Jewish trash.” I didn’t. But why let the facts get in his way. The real facts are that a commenter here calling themselves “JEWISH TRASH: RICHARD SEILVERSTEIN” [sic] (and the name was intended to disparage ME, not Neuwirth) published a comment noting “A SICK MIND SUCH AS RICHARD SILVERSTEIN POSSES.– TRULY ROTTEN.” I replied that the sentiments in the comment reminded me of Neuwirth. In fact, a review of the comment indicates that both the IP and e-mail addresses very likely are Neuwirth’s herself. So it appears SHE may’ve called me “Jewish trash,” not the other way around.
Also ironic is the fact that Fonarow charges Beinin and I with “malice.” Keep in mind this is a woman who has called numerous Jews she hates “Kapos,” among other epithets. That’s about the most malicious insult you can hurl at a Jew. So I ask you–who’s guilty of malice?
It’s unfortunate Fonarow can’t try his case solely in the media. He might have more success than he’s had in court so far.
Stay tuned for Neuwirth’s possible appeal to the State Court of Appeals.
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Congratulations Richard. I’m very glad that you won this case. And just as a case of Jewish geography, your attorney, Dean Hansell, is a member of my shul, although I’ve never discussed Middle East politics with him.