ArtBell.com CD-ROM

ART BELL FILES SUIT FOR DEFAMATION

LOS ANGELES, July 17, 2001 - Radio talk show host Art Bell filed a complaint today in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleging causes of action for defamation, infliction of emotional distress and false light invasion of privacy against the Philippine Daily Inquirer, its website, inq7.net., and the author of an article falsely attributing to Bell an inflammatory and racist email attacking Filipinos.

The email in question was written in December of 1998 by a person impersonating Bell. Even a cursory glance at Bell's web site or an inquiry sent to Bell or his representatives would have established the email was a fraudulent Internet posting not written by Bell.

As a result of the Philippine Daily Inquirer attributing the anti-Filipino email to Bell, he has received hundreds of vicious emails, including death threats, which have been reported to the FBI.

Bell is represented by Gerard P. Fox at the Century City law firm of Fox & Spillane LLP. Fox stated that Bell filed suit because "publication of such statements without the most exhaustive investigation of the true source is careless, irresponsible and reckless. Bell's reputation, safety and peace of mind have been shattered by this false publication. Nobody should have to go through what Bell is going through right now." Fox also stated, "Others who have or will spread this false story will be sued as their identities become known."

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