Meyer v. Allen

On September 15, 1983, plaintiff, Theresa Ann Meyer, filed a complaint in the circuit court of Champaign County alleging that defendant, Marion Allen, had made certain defamatory remarks “of and concerning” plaintiff. Following a hearing held on January 23, 1984, the trial court granted defendant’s motion and dismissed the complaint with prejudice.

On appeal, plaintiff maintains that defendant’s remarks constitute slander per se and the trial court erred in applying the innocent-construction rule.

The complaint contained the following allegations. Plaintiff was a registered dietician with the…