Hohman Enterprises says that any alleged statements made about a former shift supervisor at the Collinsville KFC restaurant were true and privileged in response to his defamation suit.
Tyrus Shannon filed his complaint on Oct. 11 against Kayla Brown, Mildred Hasty and Hohman Enterprises Inc.
According to his complaint, Shannon claims he was terminated from his employment at the Collinsville KFC on Sept. 29 for allegedly stealing $90. He alleges Brown and Hasty maliciously accused him of the theft.
Shannon claims he suffered irreparable damage, economic losses, mental anguish, humiliation and impairment to his reputation.
Shannon claims Hasty and Brown made false statements, causing Hohman to allegedly wrongfully terminate his employment.
Hohman answered the complaint on Dec. 1 through attorney Christopher Sanders of Lowenbaum Law in St. Louis. The defendant denies liability in the suit.
In its affirmative defenses, Hohman argues that Shannon’s claim of defamation fails to state a claim because he cannot establish that the defendant made a false statement or an unprivileged publication to a third-party.
Hohman also alleges Shannon suffered no damages resulting from any alleged statement.
Hohman further argues that any alleged statements made by the defendant were true and privileged.
“Defendant cannot be held vicariously liable for any alleged damages of its employees in that any such alleged statements were made in excess of authority outside the scope of the employment of such employees,” the answer states.
Shannon seeks a judgment of more than $50,000, plus more than $50,000 in punitive damages and court costs.
He is representd by John Leskera of Leskera Law Firm in Collinsville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 16-L-538