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A defamation lawsuit against Netflix over the portrayal of Anna Sorokin’s ex-friend in Shonda Rhimes’ series “Inventing Anna” will move forward.
As reported by Variety, Chief Judge Colm F. Connolly rejected Netflix’s argument for artistic license, ruling that certain characterizations may constitute defamation.
Rachel DeLoache Williams, the plaintiff, alleges the show falsely depicts her as “snobbish,” “unethical” and “greedy.” Williams was portrayed as betraying and abandoning Sorokin in Morocco.
Anna Sorokin, known as “Anna Delvey,” was convicted of defrauding banks and businesses of $200,000. She served four years and is fighting deportation under house arrest. Williams, a former Vanity Fair staffer, wrote extensively about her experience with Sorokin, claiming she was defrauded of $62,000.
Netflix argued for First Amendment protection on grounds of artistic expression. “Indeed, to allow constitutionally-protected artistic expression to flourish, content creators like Netflix must be allowed some breathing space to interpret the actions and decisions of those involved in a public controversy like the Sorokin trial,” argued the company’s lawyers.
The company claimed Williams’ portrayal was a protected opinion based on her own accounts. They characterised the lawsuit as her attempt to “stifle the expression she does not like.”
Williams countered that “Inventing Anna” was overly sympathetic towards Sorokin, turning her into an anti-hero and making Williams the villain. She claims the series depicts her as a freeloader and false friend who exploited Sorokin.
Judge Connolly’s ruling focused on two specific statements regarding the Morocco trip. “As Williams alleges, the statements indicate that Williams ‘abandoned Sorokin when Sorokin was alone, depressed and in trouble in Morocco,’” the judge wrote. “And whether Sorokin was in a troubled state and Williams left her at that point can be proven true or false.”
Williams’ attorney has issued subpoenas to figures including Sorokin and actress Katie Lowes, who portrayed Williams.
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