Blogger sues blogger for defamation

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LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 14 (UPI) -- A Louisville, Ky., political and media blogger asked a judge to force a nameless blogger making allegedly libelous remarks to reveal himself, a lawsuit says.

Jacob Payne, who writes The 'Ville Voice and Page One blogs, claims the Jake Payne Watch blog's only purpose is to "defame, malign and tarnish" Payne's reputation, the lawsuit filed in Kentucky's 23rd Judicial Circuit Court in Jefferson County alleges.

Jake Payne Watch alleges Payne plagiarized material, lied about his education and was a "paid shill against fighting Kentucky's meth problem."

"Meth" is colloquial for the psychostimulant methamphetamine.

Jake Payne Watch also asks for "tips, rumor, innuendo and guest commentary" about Payne, the lawsuit alleges.

The lawsuit asks the court to force the blogger or bloggers to reveal their identity or identities and to remove the allegedly libelous postings.

It also seeks a trial and compensation for "emotional distress, humiliation, embarrassment, mental anguish" and lost business opportunities.

Jake Payne Watch blog, which usually refers to its writers in the plural, told The (Louisville) Courier-Journal in an e-mail it would have no comment on the lawsuit "until I'm under the advice of counsel."

The site was also "temporarily placed in limited access, pending the advice of counsel," the e-mail said.

The most recent posting was dated Tuesday, a United Press International review indicated.