Judge dismisses lieutenant governor's libel suit against CBS

A judge on Tuesday tossed out a libel lawsuit filed by Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax against a television network he accused of slanted reporting on sexual assault allegations levied against him.

U.S. District Judge Anthony Trenga in Alexandria dismissed lawsuit. But he declined to grant CBS' request that network be awarded attorney's fees, disagreeing with network's contention that Fairfax's lawsuit amounted to an abuse of legal process.

Fairfax sued CBS for $400 million in September, after network aired exclusive interviews with two women, Vanessa Tyson and Meredith Watson, who accused him of sexual assault more than 15 years ago.

Fairfax alleged network reported allegations in a way that insinuated his guilt.

CBS lawyers defended network's journalism and accused Fairfax of using lawsuit to attack his accusers.

Fairfax has said he felt compelled to file lawsuit to try to clear his name after allegations were me. He said he has taken a lie-detector test and begged for police to investigate to avail. libel lawsuit, he said, provided next best way to prove his incence.

In a statement Tuesday, Fairfax said he will appeal idsmissal to 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond.

“Since se false, fabricated and politically motivated allegations were me more than a year ago at precise moment it was speculated I would rise to Virginia’s Goverrship, I have been denied any meaningful opportunity to establish truth, clear my name and get justice. I will t stop until I do and can put an end to this political smear campaign.”

allegations against Fairfax, a Democrat, came in February 2019 when Democratic Gov. Ralph rtham faced calls to resign after blackface photo emerged on his yearbook p. But allegations against Fairfax blunted momentum of those seeking rtham's resignation. Both rtham and Fairfax have remained in office, as has Democratic Attorney General Mark Herring, who ackwledged around same time that he h worn blackface in college.