The court properly dismissed the defamation claim. While the complaint adequately alleged the unauthorized, knowing, or reckless publishing of a false statement, the statement was not defamatory. Defendant's statement that plaintiff was "lying" was made in the context of a credit card chargeback dispute with plaintiff, who was defendant's customer. The statement, when viewed in this context, and viewed along with the remainder of defendant's written comment to the credit card company, constitutes non-actionable opinion.
Friedman v. Garnet Wine & Lies., Inc., NY Slip Op 01161 (1st Dep't March 3, 2026)\
