Disabled Veteran Files Suit Against Social Media Attacks

This goes beyond free speech. This veteran has every right to say what he wants and so does everyone else but this one goes beyond what anyone should have to face. People are being accused of posting as him on other sites. That is the part that should get everyones blood boiling.

Veteran's social media suit seeks to define libel
Arizona Daily Star
By Patrick McNamara
July 8, 2014

A defamation lawsuit filed by a recent University of Arizona graduate and disabled Iraq war veteran claims social media attacks on him have crossed the line from banter and insults to libel.

Brian Kolfage filed the civil complaint in Maricopa County Superior Court last month naming seven defendants in various states who he claims libeled him in Facebook postings accusing him of plagiarism and claiming he’s racist, homophobic and a drug abuser.

The claim alleges defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, false light and tortious interference.

“Brian doesn’t know exactly what it is that’s motivating these people,” said Kolfage’s attorney, Logan Elia, of the Phoenix-based Rose Law Group.

Kolfage says in the lawsuit that the postings on his Facebook page and elsewhere are false and raise questions of online decorum and what is considered a publication in an era when anyone with a computer has the potential to transmit messages to a near infinite audience.

Kolfage became well known after his service with the U.S. Air Force in the Iraq war.

Kolfage lost both legs and an arm, and nearly lost his life, in 2004 when a rocket shell exploded feet from where he was standing.

Since then, his public image has grown through speaking events and television appearances.

In 2009, Kolfage enrolled at the University of Arizona to study architecture, having earned a scholarship from the Pat Tillman Foundation.

Kolfage also has been outspoken in his conservative political views on social media sites and blogs, attracting the attention of many who don’t share his views.
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