Kasey Kahl hits TMZ.com with libel lawsuit
Sept. 18, 2012, 4:40 PM EST
Former The Bachelorette cast member Kasey Kahl has hit the editors of gossip site Tmz.Com with a libel lawsuit for the way they reported his assault arrest in August (12). The reality TV star was charged with two counts of felony assault, one for felony battery, and one for public intoxication, and when TMZ.com reported the story, journalists also stated that the 29 year old was under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and a controlled substance called toulene, which is used in paint thinners. Kahl pleaded not guilty to the felony assault charges, and insisted that the allegations he was under the influence of paint thinners were absolutely untrue. TMZ.com bosses later retracted their report stating they were misinformed about the charges, adding they should not have stated that Kahl was suspected of being under the influence of toluene. But the statement wasn't enough for Kahl who is now suing the website for libel and intentional infliction of emotional distress, to the tune of $20 million. In the complaint obtained by news site OpposingViews.com, his lawyer writes, "Defendants' statements forever falsely taint and permanently damage Kahl, in the eyes of the media, friends, family, fans, and the general public, as a person engaged in the taboo, socially unacceptable, unlawful action of huffing paint thinners. "(The) media will forever mention his name in the context of huffing paint and fans will forever remember Kahl with ill repute rather than remember his accomplishments in and out of the spotlight.
