Graziani, Rosamaria: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.335 for false or defamatory statements in political advertising (EY 19, Oct 19)

Case

#59566

Respondent

Rosamaria Graziani

Complainant

Jeanne Crevier

Description

The complaint alleged Rosamaria Graziani may have violated RCW 42.17A.335 for political advertising that contains false statements constituting libel or defamation.

RCW 42.17A.335 prohibits a person from sponsoring, with actual malice, a false statement of material fact about a candidate for public office that constitutes libel or defamation per se. The violation must be proven by clear and convincing evidence. There was no clear and convincing evidence of defamatory or libelous statements made with actual malice.

Based on these findings staff has determined, in this instance, the alleged violation of political advertising that contains false statements about a candidate constituting libel or defamation, does not amount to a violation warranting further investigation.

Based on this information, the PDC finds that no further action is warranted and has dismissed this matter in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).

Disposition

Case Closed with No Evidence of Violations

Date Opened

November 01, 2019

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.335