The Satanic Temple Loses Libel Suit Against Newsweek Over "Accounts of Sexual Abuse Being Covered up" Allegation
The Satanic Temple lost a libel suit against Newsweek regarding an article that discussed allegations of internal disputes and sexual abuse cover-ups. The court ruled that Newsweek did not act with actual malice in publishing the statements in question. This decision was influenced by New York's anti-SLAPP statute, which provides greater protections for defendants in defamation cases involving public interest issues.
- ▪The Satanic Temple sued Newsweek for libel over an article detailing internal disputes and allegations of sexual abuse.
- ▪The court found that Newsweek did not know or have serious doubts about the truth of the statements made in the article.
- ▪New York's anti-SLAPP statute requires libel plaintiffs to prove actual malice, which the court determined was not met in this case.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Free Speech The Satanic Temple Loses Libel Suit Against Newsweek Over "Accounts of Sexual Abuse Being Covered up" Allegation Eugene Volokh | 5.30.2026 9:14 AM From Thursday's decision in The Satanic Temple, Inc. v. Newsweek Digital LLC, written by Judge Allison Nathan and joined by Judges José Cabranes and Sarah Merriam: In October 2021, Newsweek Digital LLC (Newsweek) published an article entitled "Orgies, Harassment, Fraud: Satanic Temple Rocked by Accusations, Lawsuit." The article, written by Washington-based journalist Julia Duin, details several internal disputes between members of The Satanic Temple (the Temple) and its leadership. The Satanic Temple responded by suing Newsweek for libel, claiming that many statements in the article were false and defamatory.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Reason.com.
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