Defamation lawsuit puts Fox2 in “Hall of Shame”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) August 6, 2010 -- The lawsuit, was filed in Oakland County Circuit Court on behalf of Mr. Robert Shumake by attorney Douglas D. Hampton of Southfield, names as defendants Rob Wolchek, New World Communications of Detroit d.b.a. WJBK-TV, and Fox Television Stations.

The lawsuit alleges the defendants deliberately, knowingly and maliciously published false and defamatory statements regarding Mr. Shumake’s business practices in a Hall of Shame report that aired May 26, 2010.

The lawsuit says the station ran the story despite being provided with evidence that alleged claims in the report were false. The suit also alleges that even after receiving facts contradicting the report, the defendants refused to run a retraction, and acknowledge the inaccuracies in the report .

The lawsuit states that the Hall of Shame report has adversely affected Mr. Shumake’s brand and done irreparable harm to his company’s investments. The suit seeks damages in excess of $250 million. Moreover, Hampton said, the lawsuit aims to protect others from the predatory practices of the sensational Hall of Shame.

“This was not an objective, fact-seeking investigation, it was an ambush.” Hampton said. “Who investigates the investigators? Who’s holding them accountable?”

Hampton said Mr. Shumake hopes the lawsuit will shed light on the intimidating and biased methods used to obtain Hall of Shame reports. “They portray themselves as truth seekers but what they are really looking for is drama,” Mr. Shumake said.

Mr. Shumake is a prominent entrepreneur who owns a real estate private equity company. He also is an author and philanthropist who donates time and money to support several worthwhile causes.

His Robert S. Shumake Foundation, which is affiliated with the United Negro College Fund and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, helps at-risk urban students attend college.

The foundation presents the Robert S. Shumake Scholarship Relays, one of the largest private track and field meets in the country, which emphasizes academic as well as athletic prowess. Since its inception in 2005, the relays have included more than 7,500 high school athletes, and has sent many students to college.

The Robert S. Shumake HBCU Cross Country Classic drew more than 2,000 students from 17 historically black colleges and universities in its first year (2009), and helped 66 women stay enrolled at Spellman College after they were unable to secure student loans during the banking crisis.

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