Club Owner Says TV Station Defamed Her

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (CN) - A nightclub owner claims a TV station defamed her in reporting on the shooting of its bouncer. Karen Lungen, who owns Liquid Ice, sued News 12 Westchester, Cablevision Systems and others in Westchester County Court.

Lungen says the defendants told "false and malicious lies" by reporting that neighbors of the club were rallying to shut it down because of its violent reputation, including allegations that two women were raped after partying there in 2006.

Lungen says the inaccurate reporting, which was broadcast every 20 minutes for a week, damaged the reputation she was building for her 18-month-old business. She says the only true part of the story was the shooting, and that the defendants should have included her statement in the report.

Lungen complained that the reporters said it was "concerning" that the club was next door to a Chuck E. Cheese's restaurant, but did not use interviews from restaurant employees who called the club "safe."

Lungen sued News 12 Westchester, News 12 Interactive, Cablevision Systems, Cablevision Systems Westchester, Rainbow Westchester Holdings, Rainbow Media Enterprises, and two News 12 reporters, Tara Rosenblum and Blaise Gomez.

She seeks damages for defamation and tortious interference with business. She is represented by Valerie Crown of Haverstraw, N.Y.

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