Bertell Ollman v. Rowland Evans, Robert Novak

STARR, Circuit Judge:

This defamation action arises out of the publication of a syndicated column by Rowland Evans and Robert Novak in May 1978. The question before us is whether the allegedly defamatory statements set forth in the column are constitutionally protected expressions of opinion or, as appellant contends, actionable assertions of fact. We conclude, as did the District Court, that the challenged statements are entitled to absolute First Amendment protection as expressions of opinion.

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Rowland Evans and Robert Novak are nationally syndicated columnists whose columns appear regularly…