When Speech Backfires: Legal Battles Over Media Power

This week, high-profile lawsuits are putting the spotlight on what happens when media messaging sparks controversy. Donald Trump is suing The Wall Street Journal for defamation over claims of Epstein ties, while South Park creators are locked in a contract war with Paramount and Skydance over control of their hit series. From political fallout to billion-dollar content deals, these cases show that not all press is free from consequence.

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ChaseLawyers Newsletter
July 22, 2025

Hi there,

This week’s newsletter dives into two major legal disputes that are shaking up the media and entertainment world. First, Donald Trump is taking legal action against The Wall Street Journal, alleging that its reporting about Epstein ties is defamatory and politically motivated. Meanwhile, the creators of South Park are back in court, this time in a multi-studio feud over streaming rights and contract obligations involving Paramount and Skydance. These battles raise key questions about the power of the press — and the fine print behind big entertainment deals.

Donald Trump Sues Wall Street Journal for Defamation Over Epstein Report

Donald Trump has filed a defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and its parent company Dow Jones, claiming a recent article falsely linked him to Jeffrey Epstein and damaged his reputation. The suit, filed in Florida state court, alleges the publication acted with “actual malice” and failed to verify key facts. Trump’s legal team is seeking damages and a retraction, arguing that the article was part of a broader effort to influence the upcoming election by smearing his character. The Wall Street Journal has not yet issued a formal response.

Skydance, Paramount, and the South Park Creators Clash Over Streaming Rights

A complex legal dispute is unfolding over who controls the streaming rights to South Park. Skydance Media claims it’s owed access to the long-running animated series as part of its $8 billion acquisition deal with Paramount Global. However, the show’s creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, argue that earlier contracts tied to HBO Max should still hold sway. Paramount, stuck between the two sides, is now facing competing legal demands. The outcome could reshape how legacy content deals are interpreted during major media mergers.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Trump Files $10 Billion Lawsuit Against News Corp., Rupert Murdoch Over Story on Epstein Ties

Donald Trump has filed a defamation suit against The Wall Street Journal, claiming the paper falsely linked him to Jeffrey Epstein in a recent report.

Inside the $3 Billion ‘South Park’ Fight That May Blow Up Its Future

Skydance, Paramount, and South Park’s creators are locked in a dispute over streaming rights to the iconic show, raising major questions about how older deals hold up during massive mergers.

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Barry Chase, Esq. is an honors graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School, and the founding partner of ChaseLawyers®. In addition to his entertainment attorney legal practice, Mr. Chase lectures regularly on the representation of media personalities, the legal “do’s and don’ts” of music, television, and film production, and the intricacies of film rights option agreements.

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