CBS Files To Dismiss Rather's "Bizarre Allegations"

Today, in New York Supreme Court, in response to Dan Rather's civil lawsuit, CBS filed a lengthy 30-page motion to dismiss the case.

CBS executives also released a statement today, noting that they are "mystified" by Rather's "bizarre allegations" but will "vigorously" defend themselves in court if need be.

"Dan Rather is one of the most important figures in the history of broadcast journalism, and for more than 40 years was one of our most valued colleagues," CBS said in the statement. "That is why we at CBS are mystified and saddened by the baseless and self-serving allegations and distortions of fact raised in his lawsuit."

"Today we are filing a motion to dismiss," added the statement. "If we are required to proceed beyond this point, we will defend the case vigorously and demonstrate that the lawsuit is wholly without merit, and that the bizarre allegations by Mr. Rather are untrue."

UPDATE: In the motion, CBS lawyers argue that Mr. Rather's lawsuit is a "thinly-disguised" defamation suit and therefore is time-barred because of a one-year statute of limitations. To wit: They point out that the last "allegedly wrongful act" took place on June, 16 2006, and that Mr. Rather did not file suit until September 19, 2007, roughly 15 months later.

Furthermore, CBS lawyers argue that Mr. Rather's actions are motivated not by any wrongful actions on the part of the defendants but, instead, by Mr. Rather's desire to stay in the limelight.

"This lawsuit is a regrettable attempt by plaintiff Dan Rather to remain in the public eye, and to settle old scores and perceived slights, based on an array of far-fetched allegations," the lawyers write.

http://www.observer.com/2007/cbs-mystified-dan-rathers-bizarre-allegations-files-motion-dismiss

and saw the machinations and thuggery of corporate CBS, I would have a problem believing anything they would come forward with in rebuttal. Dan doesn't need the "limelight"... I think he's a pretty secure guy, and has a nice little gig right now. Payback's a b**ch, and yes, Dan is saying CBS committed wrongful actions. Sue their a$$es off!!

...Dan Rather, on the other hand, is a LEGEND!

Murrow and Cronkite's network has become the joke of the industry, and they're too self-absorbed and stupid to realize it.

Dan will get the last laugh - mark my words!:thumbsup:

CBS has consistently had the best news division in history. Dan Rather is "a real journalist," to quote Greg Palast, while Katie Couric is nothing but a lawn gnome, a decoration, and not even a cute one at that...:thumbsdown:

in connection with the Kerik sex thing.

I don't believe Rather really cares about actually 'winning' this lawsuit as much as revealing the operations of CBS. THAT would be enough to put out to the public.

Please, judge, at least allow this case to proceed through full discovery. It's a worthy case.

Dan Rather is the crazy one - Sumner Redstone perfectly sane.

might be a real problem for Dan. I wonder why he waited so long?