O’Melveny Secures Dismissal in Defamation Lawsuit Against Real Housewives of Orange County Star

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEWPORT BEACH, CA—January 10, 2019—O’Melveny has secured the dismissal of a multi-million dollar defamation lawsuit filed against Shannon Beador, one of the stars of the hit reality television show Real Housewives of Orange County.

Orange County Superior Court Judge Layne H. Melzer granted O’Melveny’s motion to dismiss all claims against Beador, who was sued by the ex-husband of a former Real Housewives cast member, Alexis Bellino. 

The high-profile legal drama centered around statements Beador made at an Orange County comedy club. 

O’Melveny partner Brett Williamson told the court that the case against Beador should be dismissed because her statements were true and did not result in any damages.

“We are pleased that the court agreed with our argument that the First Amendment prohibits lawsuits based on alleged harm caused by someone who simply expressed her true opinion about issues that were already matters of public interest,” said Williamson. 

“I’m relieved the judge agreed with our position, and grateful to my O’Melveny legal team for all of their hard work on my behalf,” said Beador.

The O’Melveny team was led by partners Brett Williamson and Bo Pearl, and associates Nora Salem and Kurt Brown.

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