Facts

Shahrokh Mireskandari filed an action against Daily Mail, Associated Newspaper Ltd., David Gardner and others, alleging that they illegally gathered his personal information and engaged in a smear campaign against him by publishing articles in the Daily Mail. Daily Mail was a public limited company based in the United Kingdom. David Gardner was a writer for the Daily Mail stationed in Los Angeles, who Mireskandari asserted conducted an investigation of him.

Daily Mail and General Trust PLC filed a motion to dismiss the first amended complaint for lack of personal jurisdiction.

PLAINTIFF'S CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiff contends that grievous harm has been done to plaintiff's reputation and livelihood caused by a smear campaign conducted against him by the Daily Mail, motivated by racial and religious bias. In its zeal to disparage Mireskandari, the Daily Mail invaded his privacy by hacking into educational and other private records and accessing his cellular telephone records and transmissions as well.

Result

The court dismissed the action against Daily Mail and General Trust PLC for lack of jurisdiction. The court granted 20 days leave to amend. Plaintiff said they intend to amend.

Other Information

National Student Clearing House motion to dismiss was granted in part.