Judge Dismisses Loomer Defamation Suit Against Maher

A federal judge in Florida dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by activist Laura Loomer against comedian Bill Maher and HBO on Wednesday, ruling that Maher's on-air joke suggesting a romantic relationship between Loomer and President Donald Trump constituted protected speech rather than a false statement of fact.

The case stemmed from remarks Maher made during the September 13, 2024, episode of his HBO program, Real Time with Bill Maher. In a comedic segment blending political commentary and satire, Maher speculated about Loomer's close association with Trump, quipping that she might be in an arranged relationship to influence the election. He added a humorous reference to a prior editorial on the show questioning Trump's personal life, suggesting Loomer could be involved. The comments drew laughter and groans from the studio audience, which the court later cited as evidence that viewers recognized them as humor.

Loomer, a public figure known for her proximity to Trump, filed the suit in Florida's Middle District in 2024, seeking more than $150 million in damages. She alleged the remarks falsely accused her of adultery, damaged her reputation within Trump's circle, and led to a...