Ex-rabbi Marc Gafni's alleged affairs (clergy abuse, according to some observers) and his earlier predatory sexual behavior toward two teen girls have put him in the hot seat again after the New York Times published an exposé on Gafni. But now Gafni and his team are talking about suing a publication for defamation to essentially warn other media outlets that writing anything but a fluff piece or praise of Gafni will cost you dearly. How do we know this? Gafni's team mistakenly sent a recording of Gafni's conversation with advisors, including his attorney, to the Forward. And that quickly led to a threat from Gafni's attorney to sue the Forward if it published the recording. The Forward published it anyway.
Above: Marc Gafni
Ex-rabbi Marc Gafni's alleged affairs (clergy abuse, according to some observers) and his earlier predatory sexual behavior toward two teen girls (he says they loved him and were his willing sexual partners, which both girls, now middle age, strongly deny) have put him in the hot seat again after the New York Times published an exposé on Gafni a few days ago. But now Gafni and his team are talking about suing a publication for defamation to essentially warn other media outlets that writing anything but a fluff piece or praise of Gafni will cost you dearly.
How do we know this? Gafni's team mistakenly sent a recording of Gafni's conversation with advisors, including his attorney, to the Forward.
When questioned about it by the Forward, Gafni's attorney responded with a threat to sue the paper if it published anything about that taped discussion.
Today, the Forward published an article about this exchange and posted the audio of Gafni and his team discussing suing a media outlet, essentially to make an example of it that would scare off other bad press.
You can read the article and hear the audio here.
For more on Marc Gafni, click here.
Where would Gafni and his new age think tank get the money to launch a major defamation lawsuit? Apparently from Gafni's supporters, including Whole Foods founder and CEO John Mackey.
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