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Pelle Tsichlis, best known professionally as former ROH wrestler Pelle Primeau has responded to a defamation lawsuit levied against him from Joseph R. Meehan (Joey Ryan).
On 11/18, Tsichlis filed a motion to dismiss a multi-millon dollar lawsuit filed last month in California. Joey Ryan is seeking damages from Tsichlis, who allegedly posted messages targeting Ryan on Twitter, responding to #SpeakingOut allegations over the summer.
HeelByNature.com has obtained court documents filed this week, seeking dismissal of the lawsuit.
Meehan believes messages Tsichlis posted were libellous, and portrayed the former IMPACT Wrestling star in a false light. Ryan alleges statements posted by Tsichlis caused financial and personal hardship, including loss from various revenue streams.
Meehan claims to have suffered damages in California, and Tsichlis should defend himself in California. In a 23-page response, Tsichlis’ legal counsel says his alleged posts were on a worldwide forum, it should not subject to personal jurisdiction in California.
“Meehan suffered damages in California, and Tsichlis should defend himself in California. The problem is that the Complaint does not allege that Tsichlis has minimum contacts with the state of California and is subject to specific personal jurisdiction in this Court.”
“None of the alleged statements set forth in the Complaint were directed or aimed by him to the state of California; rather the alleged statements were available for viewing worldwide.”
“Meehan’s Complaint sets forth multiple redundant claims, both intentional and negligent, seeking an exorbitant amount of damages for alleged defamatory statements made by Tsichlis throughout the world. Meehan’s Complaint has not set forth sufficient allegations to establish that this Court has personal jurisdiction over Tsichlis. In fact, taking Meehan’s allegations to their illogical conclusion, Meehan could bring suit against Tsichlis anywhere in the world. Perhaps he seeks to establish a new jurisdictional doctrine that confers worldwide personal jurisdiction for dissemination of opinions over the world-wide-web? Fortunately, constitutional restraints prohibit this doctrine.”
Following the initial complaint, Tsichlis setup a GoFundMe to assist with legal costs associated with the case.
Tsichlis is seeking a judge fulfil his request to dismiss the case at a hearing scheduled for 12/21 in Los Angeles, CA.
Joseph Meehan has filed seven lawsuits in total, including one against his IMPACT Wrestling, which he claims breached his contract when releasing him.
The full motion to dismiss legal document can be viewed below
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