A West Virginia judge granted HBO’s motion to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed against the network and “Last Week Tonight” host John Oliver by a coal industry magnate.
Judge Jeffrey Cramer’s decision was dated Wednesday.
The suit, filed by Murray Energy CEO Robert E. Murray in June, accused Oliver of defamation for a June 18, 2017 episode of “Last Week Tonight” that featured a scathing critique of Murray’s safety record, including a detailed look at a fatal coal mine collapse, as well as his business practices and political activity. The episode notably featured an actor dressed as a talking squirrel named “Mr.