SLAPP lawsuits are filed with the intent to harass, bankrupt or silence.

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Illustration of Planet Aid CEO and alleged cult leader playing a shell game with U.S. foreign aid.
Credit: Matt Smith/Reveal
Hi Revealer,

The First Amendment is in danger, but our newsroom is here to help defend it. On June 14, our legal team will fight for the freedom of the press before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. And we’ll give it everything we’ve got.

In response to our 2016 investigation into ([link removed]) Planet Aid, ([link removed]) the organization sued us for libel in federal court, contending that the stories were false. We spent years defending against Planet Aid’s kitchen-sink complaint and declarations for any evidence that might merit correcting our stories. What did we find?

Nothing. We did our work and the law is on our side.

This lawsuit is a quintessential SLAPP suit: one filed without the intention of victory in court, but rather with the intent to harass, bankrupt or silence. Above all, SLAPP suits – or strategic lawsuits against public participation – are scare tactics to try to stop journalists from sharing the truth.
Fighting this lawsuit has demanded our energy, resources, time and millions of dollars. Without the incredible pro bono legal support of Covington & Burling LLP and Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, the tireless work of our general counsel and staff, and support from people like you ([link removed]) , we would not be here today.

A federal judge dismissed the case in 2021, but Planet Aid appealed the ruling. On June 14, our legal team will defend the First Amendment before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. As the battle for free speech continues, we need your ongoing support. ([link removed])
Support the First Amendment ([link removed])
Your donation will help us continue our fearless pursuit to investigate and share the truth, no matter who tries to hold us back. Please donate before our legal team heads back to the courtroom June 14 ([link removed]) .
Thank you,
Missa Perron
Membership Manager

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