Liker v. Weider

In an action, inter alia, to recover damages for defamation, the defendant appeals from a judgment of the Supreme Court, Queens County (Leviss, J.H.O.), entered June 20, 2006, which, after a nonjury trial, is in favor of the plaintiff and against him in the principal sum of $20,000.

Ordered that the judgment is affirmed, with costs.

Reviewing the evidence with the same authority as the trial court, and giving appropriate weight to its ability to observe the witnesses and assess their credibility (see Northern Westchester Professional Park Assoc. v Town of Bedford, 60 NY2d 492, 499 [1983]; 779…