Young woman's libel and defamation verdict against web-tabloid is overturned on appeal

Sarah Jones, a Cincinnati Bengal cheerleader, sued Dirty World Entertainment Recordings, arguing that postings on the site defamed her.  She achieved a verdict in excess of $300,000.00, however Dirty World argued that section 230(c)(1) of the Communications Decency Act barred her claim.  In an issue of first impression, the Sixth Circuit concluded that the latter Act provides protection for Dirty World because the content of the statements published was provided by a third-party contributor--even though the supervisor of the site added captions.  Under the Act, the website host cannot be held responsible for even defamatory statements.  The $338,000 verdict was overturned and no punitive damages were collectible by the Plaintiff.