I thought I heard a rumor that our very own Special Ed, a New York attorney and former MD contributor, may be helping Lee Priest in a defamation case against MD.
Is seems the magazine's top writer published an article, based upon what he admits was the word of an anonymous stranger, describing Lee's drug-crazed suicide attempt and subsequent lockdown in a psyciatric ward for observation. The truth is that no such thing occurred. However, Harris never checked his source, and MD carried that news story on the main news page for several days. At this time, they are quickly deleting threads and articles, but this is pointless, as it will be cached for the world to find at anytime.
At this point, you have to wonder what is going through the minds of everyone involved. Both Lee Priest and Special Ed were dismissed rudely and publicly by MD. So both have that proverbial "ax to grind". Ron Harris may have relished the 'scoop' that comes with delivering a story first - but responsible journalists know that putting forth stories that can destory a reputation, as this one did, require evidence. He had none. No verification, no corroboration. Just a story from an anonymous screen name. Just a rumor.
Who is affected? Lee's wife Cathy was traumatized by the news, as were his many fans and friends. Lee has a daughter. How did she hear the news? Very troubling to say the least. Let's hope that in the end, justice is served, and that if Lee Priest's name was damaged beyond recovery by Ron Harris and MD, that he is promptly compensated for it.
Has Ron Harris even apologized yet?
