Dixie Chicks Singer Sued For Defamation

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines is the target of a defamation lawsuit by the stepfather of one of three 8-year-old boys slain in 1993.

Maines spoke out for three people convicted of the slayings and alleged the stepfather was instead involved in the killings.

Terry Hobbs, stepfather of Steve Branch, who was killed in 1993 with Christopher Byers and Michael Moore, filed suit in Pulaski County Circuit Court on Nov. 25. The suit names all three members of the Dixie Chicks, but focuses on Maines.

The suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages. Hobbs claims he suffered loss of income, injury to his reputation and emotional distress.

Maines attended a Dec. 19 rally in Little Rock, where she claimed Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols and Jessie Misskelley _ known to sympathizers as the "West Memphis Three" _ were innocent and that supposed new evidence pointed to Hobbs. Her comments echoed a Nov. 26, 2007, letter that was still on the Dixie Chicks' Web site on Thursday, in which she claimed that new DNA testing of hair from the crime scene linked Hobbs to the killings and that his behavior after the slayings indicated his guilt.

The lawsuit says the claim is false.

Hobbs told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in a Feb. 1 interview that his reputation was in tatters and he wanted to clear his name.

"I want people to know I haven't done nothing wrong," Hobbs said. "I want them to hear it from me."

No lawyer for Maines was listed in court filings and a publicist didn't immediately return a call for comment. Hobbs' attorney, J. Cody Hiland, didn't immediately return a call for comment Thursday.

The lawsuit says Maines' statements were "so extreme in degree as to be beyond the pale of decency and to be regarded as atrocious and utterly intolerable in civilized society."

Assertions similar to those made by Maines were also made by lawyers seeking new trials for the three convicts.

The boys' bodies were found by police a day after they vanished from their quiet, tree-lined neighborhood May 5, 1993. Police arrested the three after a confession by Misskelley in which he described how he watched Baldwin and Echols sexually assault and beat two of the boys as he ran down another trying to escape. A jury gave Misskelley a life-plus-40-year sentence for the killings. A later jury gave Baldwin a life sentence without parole. Echols, then 19, the oldest of the three, received the death penalty.

The Arkansas Supreme Court later upheld the convictions, but a later documentary sparked interest across the Internet, as well as among celebrities, including Maines, who felt the teens were railroaded by police for their interest in heavy metal music and the occult. Supporters say they raised more than $1 million for a legal defense fund for the three, enough to pay for lawyers, new DNA testing and a second federal appeal on behalf of Echols.

A judge has since denied defense motions for a new trial.

Comments

[jtmoney]

RoloTomassi, are you really Natalie Maines? Or which other Dixie Chick are you?

[RoloTomassi]

I am someone who has been following this case for years, and I know what I am talking about, where as by comparison, you clearly do not.

Back in 2004 I co-edited the following benefit anthology for the WM3:

http://www.coldandalone.com/lastpentacle/

Now then, if you'd like to pull your head out of your butt, you could buy a copy and contribute to a fine cause...

...Or you can keep spouting uninformed nonsense.

[hardybear]

What is a 'benefit anthology'?

[hardybear]

Sorry, figured it out. Looks like a fascinating book.

[propitiousmoment]

Truth is a defense against a charge of defamation - if the guy really did it and that is proven to the satisfaction of the court (remember, in civil cases the standard of proof is lower than in criminal cases), then she's off the hook. If he didn't do it, he probably has a good case, assuming she made such statements and he lost money because of it (there have to be damages). Free speech does not extend as far as making spurious claims about someone that rise to the level of calling them a murderer. All of this is for legal minds and juries to decide, obviously he was able to persuade at least one lawyer that he had a viable case. Be interesting to see how it goes.

[jtmoney]

I agree 100%. RoloTomassi is about to call you naive and clueless though.

[RoloTomassi]

Where exactly can you find her statements that defaming? The best that I can tell, her statements don't go nearly far enough to support that claim, and his case, I predict, will be summarily dismissed.

Hobbs is doing what his attorney is directing him to do in event of actually having to address the issue of his DNA being present at the crime scene.

You wouldn't be naive and clueless if you bothered to take a moment to inform yourself about the matter you are discussing.

The justifications you are pulling out of your own superbadass just isn't quite up to the level of discussion required.

[PresidentBeeblebrox]

Exactly. The WM3 lawyers, if they're smart, could use this suit as an avenue to expose Hobbs. Since truth is an absolute defense, they can turn this into a case about Hobbs' guilt.

[Incumbent]

Anyone who has seen the Incredible documentaries about this case "Paradise Lost" and "Paradise Lost 2" will know that there is much about this case that stinks to high heaven. Natalie is certainly not the only one to make these observations and this Hobbs guy is going to have an awful hard time trying to prove that it was Natalie's statements that caused him damage and not the exact same statements from dozens of other people. Yes, she is a celebrity and so more people (ostensibly) listen to her opinions, but it will be nearly impossible to say that she is 100% responsible for his damages, and equally impossible to determine how much of his damages she is responsible for.

What they really need to do is have a new trial, get all this new evidence on record, and clean this mess up once and for all!

[deeppeace]

He figures she has deeper pockets than the others.

[OKSunny]

I agree

[justice4juveniles]

Natalie Maines interview at the rally. It's right on if you ask me.

http://www.nashvillegab.com/2008/12/the-natalie-maines-incident.html

[Driver125]

"Hobbs told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in a Feb. 1 interview that his reputation was in tatters and he wanted to clear his name."

As if he had any kind of reputation to shred in the first place.

[jtmoney]

I just put up a well thought out, articulate, nonoffensive point of view regarding this case and free speech and it got censored by huffpo. What gives monitors?

[jtmoney]

They finally put it up

[RoloTomassi]

First, read this:

http://www.nashvillegab.com/2008/12/the-natalie-maines-incident.html

Then try to make something other than an absurd, biased statement based on FACT, rather than your previously uninformed nonsense.

[tkondaks]

They regularly send-sore posts if they are not politically correct and match their political world view; it's their policy, particularly if you attack their celebrity bloggers. I am misspelling key words in my post because certain ones will trigger monitoring by them.

[jtmoney]

Look at free speech in this manner. Larry Flint vs Jerry Falwell. Falwell's suit got dropped b/c of the fact he is a person that willingly put himself in the public domain, he left himself open to public ridicule, despite how vile the ridicule was. This guy Hobbs is not a person who has wililngly put himself in the public domain. But a very public figure is dragging him out there in a way that scornes him to public opinion among his neighbors and members of his community. She is not the person to be dragging him out. That is the State of Arkansas's job. Not Natalie Maines. Maines can rally for the West Memphis 3's release or to be retried. But not publicly scorn a man who hasn't been charged.

[Roll451]

You are confusing the issue of free speech with what you regard as appropriate speech. It's fine for you to argue that Natalie Maines should not have said what she said but that is only tangentially related to her right to say it. That is a matter to be determined by libel law and the First Amendment.

[jtmoney]

But your rights end where another person's rights begin. Hobbs right to not be slandered in a very public way takes precedent over her right to slander him. Now, if he's found guilty which very well may end up being, then it's a mute point.

[bugsbonzai]

Very wrong, as you obviously don't know the history of this story. Hobbs fits previsely the definition of a public figure as defined by the Falwell case. Case in point: the two documentaries. The first documentary Hobbs signed waivers understanding that the film would receive national (and perhaps international attention). If that's where it ended, you may have had a point. Problem is, the producers made a SECOND documentary that focuses more on Hobbs. If you watch it, it's chilling- the dude is obviously playing up to the cameras knowing full well he'd receive a national audience. When Hobbs signed the waivers for the second documentary, he willingly became a public figure. He didn't have to do either film, didn't have to give any on-camera interviews, didn't have to consciously put himself in the middle of the story. Your argument is moot, as Hobbs is by definition a public figure.

[tkondaks]

bugsbonzai, I'm going on memory here but I think you're confusing Hobbs with Byers, the stepfather of one of the victims. It was Byers' wife who died mysteriously 3 years after the son's death...if that's whom you're thinking of, it wasn't Hobbs but Byers.

[tkondaks]

Falwell's suit went all the way to the Supreme Court. That's hardly worthy of being described as "dropped".

[JohnPone]

if he "hasn't done nothing" wrong doesn't it mean that he "has done something" wrong?

[qdog112]

Only in elite circles.

[Furby]

Only the elite get an education?

[jeplanet]

It will be interesting to see if Natalie will be proven right, once again.
Of course there will always be those that, while lauding free speech, like to tell others to sit down and shut up. Natalie Maines has as much right to try to bring attention to injustice as you or I. She's not dumb, I'm sure she's done her research on this matter. I for one, plan to watch the documentary, "Paradise Lost" and decide for myself.
Keep talking, Natalie. The world needs more free speech, not less.

[AmbivalentGuy]

Yeah - you noticed that all the rightwingnuts complained about
Mains, but their warmongering buddies like Toby K.

Shut up and sing - only applies if you are a liberal it seems?

[jeplanet]

For a country that values free speech so highly, some sure do like to dictate who should have it and when.
"Free speech, as long as you agree with me".
Pathetic.

[atlantajoe]

I must have missed the part where toby kieth accused someone of murdering his son, do you have a link?

[jtmoney]

You people are completely missing the point. She is not just supporting the West Memphis 3. She is thowing a man that hasn't been charged under the bus. She is using her celebrity satus to do this. She is completely opening herself up to this. She crossed that line. This is her own doing. People have a right to free speech but people are also going to be held accountable for their actions and words. She needs to let the State of Arkansas try this guy, not her.

[jeplanet]

She spoke about the FACT that there is evidence linking this man to these murders. She believes an injustice is being done, and she's trying to help make it right. It's not like she's making up stories about this guy.
Who gets to decide where this "line" is that she crossed??? YOU??? God help us all.

[xtiangodloki]

Please. Nancy Grace defames people on a daily basis and some even committed suicide because of her show. Why hasn't anyone successfully sued her show?

[Furby]

Miss Maines crossed the line. She also crossed the line when she defamed Bush in front of a British concert crown years ago. The thing is she was right then, and is probably right now. And only time will absolve her and she's willing to take that risk because she's so certain of what she's saying and can afford a lawsuit or two in order to get the word out. She knows the only way the falsely accused will see justice in that good ole boy system is if she forces the issue and puts herself at risk to shine a big honkin spotlight on the crap that's going on down there.

[hillaryj]

.......and money will just make him feel much better!

Give me a break, he wouldn't be suing if she weren't a Chick!
This Gal is a class act!!!

[jtmoney]

If she weren't a Dixie Chick then she wouldn't have the speaking domain she has to speak out against this guy, so that works both ways. Not the most valid arguement.

[RoloTomassi]

And if you weren't determined to keep talking out of your butt, you could go here:

http://www.wm3.org

And discover that Maines did indeed SEE the new evidence, and even a small-minded person like you can actually READ the motions made in court and detailed descriptions of every piece of evidence submitted.

You keep squawking about what other people do not know, but from your comments it is obvious that you are one of the least informed people making comments here, and Maines quite obviously knows far more about the issue than you do.

[moderate1]

You're only defending her because she made some comment about George Bush. Is that really all it takes to earn your loyalty? If Ann Coulter said the same thing about this poor guy you would be here crucifying her and defending him and you know it.

It really never ceases to amaze me, that all someone has to do to earn your unending loyalty is insult George Bush. Here, this works every time: George Bush is satan! Now one of you come wash my car.

[qdog112]

"Now one of you come wash my car."

You mean that red, mud splashed piece of off road, giant tire crap with the gun rack?

Get the smuck outta here.

[AverageWhiteMan]

I lol'ed

[RJII]

All I know is that Ms. Maines was 100%, laser sharp, God honest right about Bush.

[SanityNow]

Right on - How quickly we have forgotten her bravery to be among the first to speak out.
What compensation should she be entitled to for acting as a true patriot???

[jeplanet]

How about some basic respect, and the right to speak her mind.
I doubt she'd ask for more.

[moderate1]

"I'm ashamed The President of the United States is from Texas"

Really? Thats it? Thats all it takes? This is your Thomas Paine-esque laser sharp champion?

Look you can hate Bush all you want, god knows theres reasons, but its possible for someone to be stupid and hate George Bush. Don't attribute intelligence to this college drop out (which she is) just because she made this incredibally articulate comment.

[cariintexas]

while you're making all of your 75 cent statements and have your rightwing registry out, you may want to see how many of your heros are college dropouts. Oops sorry, they stayed in for their deferments.

[desertdweller]

What does "God honest" mean?

[abmabardy]

Loser looking for $$$$$.

Hey chump, why dontcha go and not don't get someone to explain the whole free speech thing to ya.

[jtmoney]

Free speech, sure. But there are consequences behind her actions. She is claiming a guy that has not been charged basically for murder. He hasn't been charged. She hasn't seen any evidence and if she did it wouldn't matter b/c she's not a lawyer. It's one thing to rally and campaign for a new trial or the release of the West Memphis 3, but she's kinda crossed the line when she is throwing this guy's name int he media like this. Free speech can be expensive.

[AmbivalentGuy]

Yep - there is something definitely wrong with the
conviction of these three - It stunk from day one.

The evidence that Mains talked about has been known for
awhile, but there is a difference between speaking out
against injustice in a this manner and advocacy for fairness.

The evidence discussed does indicate that the father should be
reconsidered as a suspect, but that's different from assigning guilt.

[davejavu]

I will forever defend Natalie's right to call Bush out in 2003, but if this man is truly innocent, she REALLY crossed a line.

And I say that as a fervent supporter of the Dixie Chicks and their music. In fact if you don't believe me, just check out my CD collection. I could recite the lyrics to ANY of their songs. When their most recent album came out, I purchased three copies. One for my car, one for my wife's and one for my Republican sister.

I just think if you're going to speak out on things of this magnitude, you need...umm...what is that word I'm looking for....oh yeah...PROOF.

If he's innocent, she's guilty and should pay up.

[abmabardy]

Yes, ok, she should be using words like "alleged" and "suspicious", mainly for her own protection. She may not be well-schooled in lawyerspeak, but she definitely has a right to voice her opinion. What make me sick is this guy who is clearly, IN MY OPINION, looking to make a fast buck.

I hope someone with access to the facts and the authority to investigate will see this thing through. I hate the "possibility"of innocent people being framed by agenda-driven law-enforcement types.

[biglover]

Yup - youbetcha.

[isis]

At least there needs to be a new trial.

[jtmoney]

This is like Rage Against the Machine, gone country!

[jtmoney]

What this guy really needs is Toby Keith to come out and speak on his behalf.

[Hobay]

Well played, my friend.

[jtmoney]

I'm glad at least one person got that.

[nothingmusic42]

lol, and toby went and voted obama.

[desertdweller]

Or at least Billy Ray Cyrus...

[cariintexas]

Or Joe the plumber.