Judge Rhymed Eminem Defamation Dismissal

In August 2001, a former schoolmate named DeAngelo Bailey sued American rapper Eminem for $1 million, alleging that the song "Brain Damage" defamed him and invaded his privacy. Released on the 1999 album The Slim Shady LP, the song portrayed Bailey as a school bully who repeatedly harassed and assaulted Eminem. In 2003, Michigan judge Deborah Servitto dismissed the case because the lyrics told exaggerated stories that listeners would not reasonably accept as fact. She delivered part of her opinion in rap-like rhyme and concluded that Eminem deserved summary disposition.

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