Robert Weidlich v. Lisa Rung

This appeal concerns a defamation claim. Lisa Rung (“Rung”) put up a Facebook post featuring a photograph of the back of Robert Weidlich (“Weidlich”)’s vehicle. Weidlich’s vehicle had a number of bumper stickers on it, some of which incorporated
the Confederate Battle Flag. Along with the photograph, Rung asserted in her Facebook post that the Weidlichs were “white supremacist[s].” Weidlich sued Rung for defamation in a case eventually tried before the Circuit Court for Franklin County (“the Trial Court”). After trial, the Trial Court entered judgment in favor of Weidlich and awarded him damages. Rung appeals. We hold that Rung’s Facebook post, viewed in its entire context, constitutes non-actionable commentary upon disclosed facts. We reverse the judgment of the Trial Court.