Arthur v. TMZ.com (federal) [1]

Virgie Arthur,  mother of deceased celebrity Anna Nicole Smith, attempted to add several bloggers as defendants to a defamation lawsuit in Texas federal court.  Arthur originally filed claims of defamation and conspiracy to defame against Howard K. Stern, CBS Studios, and KPRC Houston after Stern and Anna Nicole Smith allegedly defamed Arthur on an episode of "Entertainment Tonight."  Numerous blogs and websites discussed and criticized Arthur following the episode and lawsuit.

In response, Arthur filed a motion to add the following defendants on the ground that they were part of the alleged conspiracy to defame her:

• Celebrity gossip website TMZ.com and TMZ operator Harvey Levin, who  allegedly published a defamatory article that accused Arthur of marrying and having a child with her step-brother.
• Bonne Stern, Stern's sister, who allegedly republished Anna Nicole Smith's defamatory statements and "corresponded with and directed" other conspirators (primarily via e-mail).
• Nelda Turner, operator of blog "Rose Speaks," who allegedly forwarded defamatory information to TMZ and corresponded with Bonnie Stern via e-mail.
• Art Harris, operator of blog "The Bald Truth" and frequent correspondent on "Entertainment Tonight," who allegedly republished Smith's statements in a blog post.

On June 26, 2008, the Texas federal court denied Arthur's motion to add the new defendants.  The court found that there was evidence that Arthur, who had failed in an earlier attempt to remand the case to state court, had attempted to add the defendants in part as an effort to destroy the court's diversity jurisdiction.  The court also noted that the new defendants' actions were sufficiently distinct from the disputed television broadcast that they could be litigated separately.

Prior to the court's decision, Arthur filed a related suit against Stern and all of the new defendants in Texas state court.  That suit still is ongoing.   See Arthur v. TMZ.com (state) [2] for more information. 

Arthur also has subpoenaed blogger Lyndal Harrington in this case.  See Arthur v. Harrington [3].