PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The Rhode Island Supreme Court says a talk show host for WPRO-AM who called a restaurant owner a “manipulative piece of garbage” did not defame him.
The court said in a decision released Thursday that a reporter for The Providence Journal also did not engage in defamation when she wrote that restaurant owner Robert Burke was behind a decision to close an event to the media, even if untrue.
The decision says the article could not have hurt Burke’s reputation, and that the talk show host was expressing an opinion, which has greater protection under the law.
The newspaper’s lawyer says he’s pleased but not surprised.
WPRO’s general manager didn’t comment.
Burke says he’s gratified the court allowed him to pursue a breach of contract claim against the station.
