July 8, 2009 – Fredrik Gertten, Margarete Jangard and WG Film, the filmmaker and producers of BANANAS!* were sued by Dole Food Company, Inc. for the screening of the film. The lawsuit claims that the film BANANAS!* is defamatory and false toward Dole Food Corporation.
September 10, 2009 – attorneys for Fredrik Gertten, Margarete Jangård and WG Film AB filed a Motion to Strike Dole’s Complaint under California’s Anti-SLAPP statute, which allows the court to dismiss meritless lawsuits filed for the purpose of stifling protected speech.
- Download the full motion » (880 MB including video clips)
More downloads (separate PDF’s):
- The Anti-SLAPP motion »
- Director Fredrik Gertten’s declaration »
- Producer Margarete Jangård’s declaration »
In addition to filing an Anti-SLAPP Motion, WG Film AB also filed a Cross-Complaint against Dole, seeking to recover damages for Dole’s improper tactics in interfering with the film’s premiere and its participation in the Los Angeles Film Festival.
November 17, 2010 – The Los Angeles Superior Court granted the anti-SLAPP motion, struck Dole’s lawsuit with prejudice and ordered them to pay attorneys fees and costs in the amount of $200,000.
- The Anti-SLAPP ruling » (November 17, 2010)
- The Anti-SLAPP hearing transscript » (October 22, 2010)
Related articles on this site:
- July 9, 2009: BANANAS!* is getting sued by Dole »
- July 28, 2009: First Amendment attorney to take on Dole lawsuit »
- Aug 13, 2009: Filmmakers express their support for BANANAS!* »
- Aug 24, 2009: German filmmakers warns Dole »
- Sep 2, 2009: Reporters Without Borders launches BANANAS!* petition online »
- Sep 10, 2009: BANANAS!* strike back at Dole »
- Oct 16, 2009: Dole to withdraw defamation suit
- Oct 29, 2009: BANANAS!* filmmakers withdraw counterclaim against Dole
- June 16. 2010: The return to Los Angeles – court hearing and special screening
- June 18, 2010: Q&A with Fredrik Gertten about facing Dole in court
- June 23, 2010: Court allows Dole to once again postpone the hearing date
- November 29, 2010: Court strikes lawsuit against BANANAS!*