Embattled Climate Scientist Michael Mann Wins $1 Million in Defamation Lawsuit
Climate scientist Michael Mann achieved a significant victory in his legal battle against conservative bloggers who had likened him to a convicted child abuser. Following a four-week trial, a D.C. Superior Court jury awarded Mann $1 million in damages after determining that Rand Simberg, writing for the Competitive Enterprise Institute, and Mark Steyn, writing for the National Review, had defamed Mann in blog posts dating back to 2012. The accusations stemmed from claims that Mann manipulated scientific data related to his "hockey stick" graph, which illustrates the exponential increase in global temperatures.
Mann, relieved by the verdict, remarked, "I hope this verdict sends a message that falsely attacking climate scientists is not protected speech."
The defamation lawsuit was initiated after Simberg compared Mann to Jerry Sandusky, the former Pennsylvania State University football coach convicted of child abuse. Simberg accused Mann of "molesting and torturing data" on climate change, a statement later echoed by Steyn in a post for the National Review.
The legal proceedings endured a lengthy journey through the courts, including a petition to the Supreme Court in 2019, which was ultimately declined. Despite attempts by CEI and the National Review to invoke First Amendment protections, the D.C. Superior Court upheld Mann's case.
While CEI declined to comment on the recent decision, Steyn's manager, Melissa Howes, hinted at a potential appeal against the $1 million awarded to Mann.
Conservatives framed Mann's trial as a referendum on climate science itself. Ann McElhinney, the filmmaker behind the documentary "Frack Nation," characterized the proceedings as a battle between Mann and Steyn over the credibility of the hockey stick graph.
An attorney representing Mann emphasized the personal and professional harm caused by the defamatory remarks, stating, "Today’s verdict vindicates Mike Mann’s good name and reputation."
The outcome of this lawsuit underscores the importance of factual discourse in scientific debates and serves as a victory for truth and integrity in climate science.
Michael Mann, a climate scientist, emerged victorious in a defamation lawsuit against conservative bloggers who had compared him to a convicted child abuser. The jury awarded Mann $1 million in damages after finding that the bloggers had defamed him by accusing him of manipulating climate data. The lawsuit, which began in 2012, concluded with Mann's vindication and underscores the significance of truth in scientific discourse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Q: What was the outcome of Michael Mann's defamation lawsuit? A: Michael Mann, a climate scientist, won $1 million in damages in a defamation lawsuit against conservative bloggers who accused him of manipulating climate data.
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