Daniel Flickinger v. Lawrence Tracy King and King Simmons Ford & Spree P.C.

Summary

The Supreme Court of Alabama affirmed dismissal of Flickinger's defamation and invasion-of-privacy claims but reversed dismissal of his tortious-interference claim. The alleged association of Flickinger's personal post with his employer was not actionable defamation as pleaded, and the private-group publication and alleged appropriation did not satisfy the applicable privacy elements. The complaint nevertheless adequately alleged intentional interference because the defendants knew of the employment relationship, were strangers to it, and their conduct and its timing supported an inference of intent at the pleading stage.