An orthopedic surgeon's defamation lawsuit against Los Angeles County and two health systems alleging discrimination was dismissed, My News LA reported Dec. 12.
Melani Cargle, MD, filed the lawsuit against Los Angeles County, Keck Medicine of USC and University of California Health Los Angeles. She alleged receiving inappropriate and sexist comments from a supervisor at UCLA. Her complaint also alleged the county shared an internal and public memo saying her allegations were "entirely false," which severely damaged her reputation.
However a judge dismissed the claims, granting the county's motion under the state's anti-SLAPP — Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation — law, which prevents people from using the courts to intimidate others exercising free speech rights.
A spokesperson for Los Angeles County Health Services didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.