Town Tavern owner files defamation lawsuits against 2 over posts alleging mistreatment—Akron Beacon Journal
A prominent Summit County restaurateur is suing two people who he says defamed him in social media posts and ruined his businesses by publicly accusing him of false allegations including misconduct and sexual assault.
James House, 48, the owner of the Town Tavern in Green, Montrose Town Tavern in Copley and Sunrise Social in Uniontown, filed two separate lawsuits in Summit and Stark counties.
In the suits, he acknowledged public accusations made against him by the two subjects of the lawsuits. The allegations included that he sexually harassed and sexually assaulted his employees, harassed underage employees and engaged in fraudulent activity in one or more charities.
Defendant Sean Carroll, represented by attorney Peter Pattakos, argued in a court filing that third parties provided the information posted on “The Dirty 330” while some information was found inthe public record.
“None of the statements at issue in this lawsuit are remotely defamatory. They are all true statements, accurate summaries of information about Mr. House and his conduct, or constitutionally protected opinions about that conduct.” Pattakos said. “People like Mr. House who own businesses patronized by the public should know thattheir actions will be subject to public scrutiny.”
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