Lang v. Mason [1]

Jeffrey Lang, a Florida reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon, filed a lawsuit against reporter Michael Mason, MSNBC, its affiliate Waterman Broadcasting, and Mary Catherine Tourtillott, a former patient, for an allegedly defamatory news report that accused Lang disfiguring his patients. Lang's four-count complaint alleged defamation, false-light invasion of privacy, tortious interference, and civil conspiracy.

The disputed report aired on television in 2000, and was allegedly posted on MSNBC's website, according to the complaint. In their answer, Mason, MSNBC, and Waterman denied that the report was defamatory. Tourtillott also denied Lang's allegations in her answer.

In 2004, the trial court granted the defendants' motions to dismiss for lack of prosecution. On appeal, the ruling was reversed [2] and the case was remanded. The Florida Supreme Court denied the media defendants' petition for review [3] in 2005.

On remand in 2007, MSNBC filed a motion for summary judgment, claiming immunity under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. In its motion, MSNBC said the disputed report was created and posted to the site by a third party -- the Waterman-owned WBBH-TV station in Florida. 

The CMLP has not been able to determine the final outcome of the case.