Climate Scientist Awarded Over $1 Million in Defamation Lawsuit Against Conservative Writers
After more than a decade of legal battle, climate scientist Michael Mann has been awarded more than $1 million in a defamation lawsuit he brought against a former scholar and a media personality who disparaged his work.
The lawsuit, initiated in 2012, targeted Rand Simberg, a former scholar for the Competitive Enterprise Institute, and Mark Steyn, a TV and radio personality who contributed to the National Review. They authored blog posts mocking Mann’s scientific research on rising temperatures, likening him to Jerry Sandusky, the disgraced former football coach convicted of child molestation.
In their posts, Steyn and Simberg derided Mann’s scientific findings, particularly his “Hockey Stick” chart illustrating the increase in global temperatures since pre-industrial times.
The jury in the Washington, DC, Superior Court civil case ruled in favor of Mann, awarding him $1 million in punitive damages, along with a nominal compensatory amount from each defendant.
While Mann also sued the National Review and Competitive Enterprise Institute, those cases were dismissed in 2021, with only the lawsuit against Steyn and Simberg proceeding. Mann intends to appeal the decision regarding the dismissal of the cases against the National Review and Competitive Enterprise Institute.
In a statement, Mann expressed hope that the verdict would deter false attacks on climate scientists, emphasizing the importance of protecting scientific discourse.
Attorney Pete Fontaine, representing Mann, hailed the verdict as a victory for truth and scientific integrity, affirming Mann’s dedication to addressing crucial scientific questions.
Mann’s successful defamation lawsuit marks a significant outcome in a legal landscape where proving defamation can be challenging due to the broad protections afforded by the First Amendment. Yet, it reflects a recent trend of defamation trial victories or substantial settlements, underscoring the potential consequences of defamatory statements.
