An Ex-Mormon Podcaster Is Getting Sued by the Church. It’s Made Him More Popular Than Ever.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has sued John Dehlin, host of the Mormon Stories podcast, over alleged trademark and copyright violations, including the use of the color blue and religious imagery. The church claims Dehlin's use of these elements could confuse people into thinking his content is affiliated with the church. The lawsuit has sparked a backlash, increasing Dehlin's popularity and drawing attention to free speech concerns.
- ▪The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints filed a lawsuit against John Dehlin and the Open Stories Foundation over trademarked materials like the color blue and the Christus statue.
- ▪The church alleges Dehlin intentionally misled people into believing his podcast was affiliated with or endorsed by the church.
- ▪Dehlin launched Mormon Stories in 2005 while still a church member, aiming to support LGBTQ+ members and promote informed participation.
- ▪The lawsuit has led to a surge in public support for Dehlin, including increased donations and viewership for his content.
- ▪The legal action is seen as a shift in the church's approach to critics, moving from tolerance to aggressive legal enforcement.
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Faith-based The Mormon Church Is Suing One of Its Most Vocal Critics. The Reason Why Seems Silly. It’s Not. The podcast Mormon Stories is in trouble for, among other alleged infringements, using the color blue. By Haley Swenson May 04, 20262:53 PM Photo illustration by Slate. Photos by Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images and gov.uscourts.utd. Copy Link Share Share Comment Copy Link Share Share Comment Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. The color blue. Images accented by light rays. A sketch of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s marble Christus statue.
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