Sanctions: Sanctions denied in high-profile defamation suit

Where a former George Mason law school professor sued two women after they accused him of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, but nonsuited his claims against one woman on the eve of trial, that defendant’s motion for sanctions was denied. The plaintiffs had a reasonable belief to assert a claim for tortious interference.

Background

Joshua Wright and his private consulting business sued Angela Landry and Elyse Dorsey after they accused Wright of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. Dorsey settled with Wright and he nonsuited his claim against Landry on the eve of trial. Landry has now filed a motion for sanctions under Virginia law and a motion for attorney’s fees pursuant to the Virginia anti-SLAPP statute. The court held a two-day evidentiary hearing on March 24, 2025.

Sanctions

            Landry contends that plaintiffs and their counsel violated Virginia Code § 8.01-271.1 when bringing this lawsuit. The court disagrees. The plaintiffs had a reasonable belief to assert a claim for tortious interference.

Landry also contends that the $108 million ad damnum clause violates Virginia Code § 8.01-271.1. The court disagrees. It is in accord with the pleading standards because it provides a definite amount, and does not need to be apportioned by defendant or by count. Wright’s testimony indicates that there were pre-filing discussions with counsel and that the damages figure was properly pleaded. Any amount that the damages amount is unsupportable is any issue for trial. Sanctions will not be imposed under these circumstances.

Anti-SLAPP statute

            The court cannot impose anti-SLAPP fees for four reasons: (1) the defamation count survived demurrer; (2) the statement was not dismissed pursuant to the statute because it was not even raised on demurrer; (3) this court cannot now impose an additional ground of dismissal when two motions addressing the issue were already adjudicated and (4) dismissal of any part of the lawsuit pursuant to the immunity is now moot.

Defendant’s motion denied.

Wright v. Landry, Case No. CL-2023-12232, Aug. 12, 2025. Fairfax County Circuit Court (Capsalis). VLW 025-8-027. 14 pp.