Former State Troopers Sue London Mayor for Libel in Response to Podcast Comments
- posted: Dec. 15, 2025
- Defamation, Libel, Slander
Social media platforms and podcasts give individuals the chance to reach a broad audience without having to go through a traditional media outlet. This can be empowering for someone who cannot convince a newspaper, broadcast station or book publisher that their message is worthwhile. On the other hand, without a structure in place to filter out potentially defamatory content, speakers risk serious legal problems if they make a false statement about someone else.
Even municipal officials can face libel suits. The mayor of a small Laurel County town is now the defendant in two separate legal actions stemming from comments he made on a podcast. According to two former Kentucky state troopers, London Mayor Randall Weddle made false and damaging statements about them. Elijah Jarvis has also sued Weddle based on material from a True CrimeCast episode.
Brothers James and John Phelps say that Weddle accused them of sexual misconduct and other serious crimes, including murder. Their legal action alleges that these false statements have harmed their career prospects and reputations within their community.
Defamation claims in Kentucky generally require a plaintiff to demonstrate the following four things:
False, defamatory statement — Should the case go to court, the trier of fact will evaluate the truth of Weddle’s comments. In some cases, defamation plaintiffs must show how the statements at issue harmed them. However, baseless accusations of criminal activity and sexual misconduct are known as defamation per se, meaning that we can assume that they would damage plaintiffs’ reputations.
Publication to a third party — Speaking a damaging falsehood to a third party is slander, while wider publication, such as through a podcast, constitutes libel. According to news reports, the True CrimeCast has more than 1,000 YouTube subscribers.
Fault, amounting to at least negligence — In cases involving public figures, actual malice on the defendant’s part is required. This means that the speaker knew what they said was a lie or acted in reckless disregard of the truth. When the plaintiff is not a public figure, liability only requires negligence on the defendant’s part.
Damages — There are several ways to show damages stemming from defamation, including harm to career opportunities and symptoms of emotional distress. Even unproven allegations of criminal and sexual misconduct could change someone’s life measurably.
Whether it’s on a podcast or anywhere else, false statements about you should not go unchecked. Hemmer Wessels McMurtry PLLC in Fort Mitchell handles libel and slander actions so that those who defame others are held to account. To speak with an experienced Kentucky lawyer, please call 859-344-1188 or contact us online.
Former State Troopers Sue London Mayor for Libel in Response to Podcast Comments
- posted: Dec. 15, 2025
- Defamation, Libel, Slander
Social media platforms and podcasts give individuals the chance to reach a broad audience without having to go through a traditional media outlet. This can be empowering for someone who cannot convince a newspaper, broadcast station or book publisher that their message is worthwhile. On the other hand, without a structure in place to filter out potentially defamatory content, speakers risk serious legal problems if they make a false statement about someone else.
Even municipal officials can face libel suits. The mayor of a small Laurel County town is now the defendant in two separate legal actions stemming from comments he made on a podcast. According to two former Kentucky state troopers, London Mayor Randall Weddle made false and damaging statements about them. Elijah Jarvis has also sued Weddle based on material from a True CrimeCast episode.
Brothers James and John Phelps say that Weddle accused them of sexual misconduct and other serious crimes, including murder. Their legal action alleges that these false statements have harmed their career prospects and reputations within their community.
Defamation claims in Kentucky generally require a plaintiff to demonstrate the following four things:
False, defamatory statement — Should the case go to court, the trier of fact will evaluate the truth of Weddle’s comments. In some cases, defamation plaintiffs must show how the statements at issue harmed them. However, baseless accusations of criminal activity and sexual misconduct are known as defamation per se, meaning that we can assume that they would damage plaintiffs’ reputations.
Publication to a third party — Speaking a damaging falsehood to a third party is slander, while wider publication, such as through a podcast, constitutes libel. According to news reports, the True CrimeCast has more than 1,000 YouTube subscribers.
Fault, amounting to at least negligence — In cases involving public figures, actual malice on the defendant’s part is required. This means that the speaker knew what they said was a lie or acted in reckless disregard of the truth. When the plaintiff is not a public figure, liability only requires negligence on the defendant’s part.
Damages — There are several ways to show damages stemming from defamation, including harm to career opportunities and symptoms of emotional distress. Even unproven allegations of criminal and sexual misconduct could change someone’s life measurably.
Whether it’s on a podcast or anywhere else, false statements about you should not go unchecked. Hemmer Wessels McMurtry PLLC in Fort Mitchell handles libel and slander actions so that those who defame others are held to account. To speak with an experienced Kentucky lawyer, please call 859-344-1188 or contact us online.
