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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Michael Jackson Sues ‘Hard Copy’

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Michael Jackson filed a $100 million lawsuit Thursday over a “Hard Copy” report about an alleged videotape showing the entertainer in a sexual encounter with a teenager.

The Superior Court lawsuit says “Hard Copy” reporter Diane Dimond slandered Jackson by reporting that authorities had reopened their investigation of molestation allegations against him.

The lawsuit stems from a Jan. 9 episode of the syndicated show and an appearance by Dimond the same morning on a KABC-AM radio talk show.

Also named in the lawsuit are “Hard Copy” producer Stephen Doran; Paramount Pictures Corp.; KABC talk show hosts Roger Barkley and Ken Minyard; and Victor Gutierrez, a writer cited by Dimond as a source.

Jackson, 36, is seeking $100 million in special damages and unspecified punitive damages.