Former Cheerleader Responsible for Mario Lopez’s Legal Fees Following Unsuccessful Defamation Case Exclusive
A judge has dismissed a significant lawsuit against Mario Lopez and determined that his legal expenses will be paid by the plaintiff, Desirée Townsend. This decision came after Townsend’s defamation suit against Lopez was rejected. Legal documents revealing this outcome were recently obtained by a major news outlet.
Judge Rules Against Former Cheerleader
Townsend had accused Lopez, the renowned Access Hollywood host, of damaging her reputation and causing emotional distress. She claimed the incident stemmed from a 2024 Instagram post where Lopez mocked her past experience as the “Flu Shot Cheerleader.”
Instagram Post Evaluated as Opinion
In 2009, Townsend gained notoriety after appearing on Inside Edition, sharing her belief that a flu shot led to uncontrollable spasms and her limited ability to walk forward. Approximately 15 years later, Lopez shared a clip of her interview, captioned with a sarcastic comment suggesting an award for her “performance.”
An L.A. Superior Court judge deemed Lopez’s Instagram post a “non-actionable opinion” during a hearing held on September 25. Consequently, the judge dismissed Townsend’s claims, directing her to cover Lopez’s attorney fees and related costs.
Background and Recent Developments
Townsend, a former ambassador squad member for the Washington Commanders, now specializes in teaching trademark courses. Despite her continuing insistence on the authenticity of her symptoms, she has faced criticism. In a recent interview, she discussed developing an autoimmune disorder, Stiff-Person Syndrome, a condition shared with celebrity Celine Dion.
Broader Implications
Townsend argued her case was manipulated to fuel anti-vaccine sentiments, although she clarified the condition she developed was genetic, dismissing any link to the vaccination. This case highlights the complexities surrounding public perception and individual medical conditions.
- Mario Lopez’s legal victory involves the plaintiff covering his legal fees.
- The defamation case was linked to a past viral moment involving a flu shot.
- Townsend continues to defend her account despite widespread skepticism.
This legal outcome marks a pivotal moment for public figures facing similar defamation challenges connected to their comments on social media platforms.
