West v. Media General Convergence, Inc.

53 S.W.3d 640 (2001)

Facts

A multi-part investigative news report aired by WDEF-TV 12 in Chattanooga about the relationship between P and the Hamilton County General Sessions Court, and in particular, one of the general sessions court judges. P operated a private probation services business and was referred business by the general sessions courts. P claims that WDEF-TV defamed them by broadcasting false statements that P's business is illegal. D implied that P had a sexual relationship with one of the general session judges; and that the general sessions judges and P otherwise had a 'cozy,' and hence improper, relationship. P sued D. D filed a motion to dismiss. 

The District Court certified to this Court the following question of law: Do the courts of Tennessee recognize the tort of false light invasion of privacy, and if so, what are the parameters and elements of that tort?