Belanger v. Swift Transportation, Inc.

RULING ON DEFENDANT’S MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT

JANET BOND ARTERTON, District Judge.

In this removed diversity action claiming libel and false light, the defendant moves for summary judgment on both counts based on two affirmative defenses: the truth of the allegedly defamatory statement, and the Connecticut privilege for employment references. For the reasons that follow, the defendant’s motion will be granted.

1. Facts and Background

Drawing all factual inferences in favor of the party opposing the motion and viewing the factual disputes in the light most favorable to that party, see Phaneuf…