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Supreme Court won't revive Alan Dershowitz's $300 million suit against CNN
By Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 29, 2026
· 2 min read
The Supreme Court refused Monday to revive a $300 million defamation lawsuit filed against CNN over its coverage of a prominent attorney's remarks made while defending President Donald Trump during his 2020 impeachment.The majority declined to take up the case in a brief, unexplained order. Justi...
Key takeaway Alan Dershowitz said the news network aired only a portion of the comment made during his defense of the president, distorting his meaning to make him look like he’d “lost his mind,” according to court documents.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The Supreme Court's decision not to revive Alan Dershowitz's defamation lawsuit against CNN has implications for public figures in San Antonio who may find themselves in similar situations. As a community with a strong media presence, San Antonio residents should be aware of the legal standards surrounding defamation cases. The landmark New York Times Co. v. Sullivan case, which was at the center of Dershowitz's appeal, sets a high bar for public figures to prove libel, requiring proof of knowingly published false information or reckless disregard for the truth. This ruling reinforces the importance of careful editing and contextualization in local media coverage, particularly when reporting on public figures and contentious issues. San Antonio's own public figures, from city officials to business leaders, should take note of the court's decision and its potential impact on their own interactions with local media outlets.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Supreme Court refused Monday to revive a $300 million defamation lawsuit filed against CNN over its coverage of a prominent attorney's remarks made while defending President Donald Trump during his 2020 impeachment.The majority declined to take up the case in a brief, unexplained order. Justi...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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