“A great victory for scientists around the world.”
The famous American paleoclimatologist Michael E. Mann announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he had won his case against two climate skeptic bloggers, Rand Simberg and Marck Steyn, whom he was suing for defamation.
They were respectively ordered to pay him $1,000 and $1 million.
Our statement: pic.twitter.com/7dVQDXnwyI
— Prof Michael E. Mann (@MichaelEMann) February 8, 2024
“Today's verdict vindicates the name and reputation of Mike Mann,” his lawyer rejoiced after the verdict in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, South Carolina.
“This is also a major victory for scientists around the world, who dedicate their lives to answering vital questions impacting human health and the planet.”
Compared to a child predator
Rand Simberg and Marck Steyn, two global warming denialist bloggers, compared Professor Michael E. Mann to a child predator in 2012 in an attempt to damage his credibility.
They also accused him of spreading false information about the climate.
The scientist then sued them for defamation, as well as their publishers.
The latter were spared during a first trial in 2021, the courts ruling that they could not be held responsible.
The trial against the two bloggers, whose verdict was delivered on Thursday, will therefore have lasted twelve years.
“I hope this verdict sends a message that falsely attacking climate scientists is not protected speech,” Michael E. Mann said as he left court.