LOS ANGELES (CN) - A former FBI analyst claims Pepperdine University fired him for his involvement in the Amanda Knox murder case on his personal time, after he "was given the blessing of the University and told that he could participate as long as Pepperdine's name was not used or involved."
Steve Moore, a former FBI analyst for terror threats and violent behavior, was hired by Pepperdine University in May 2008 to assess threats for the school's activities outside of the United States.
In his Superior Court lawsuit, Moore claims that on his personal time, he became heavily involved in the Amanda Knox murder trial because he believed she was innocent. Knox was found guilty of murdering her roommate in Perguia, Italy in 2007.
Moore claims Pepperdine knew he was personally involved with Knox's defense and "was given the blessing of the University to participate" so long as the school's name was not involved.
Last month, the university's officials "expressed concern" about Moore's involvement in the case and his national television appearances in defense of Knox. The school argued that it was affecting his ability to perform his job.
Moore was fired later that month, despite his claim that the university was violating his right to political speech.
Moore seeks special, general and punitive damages for breach of good faith, breach of oral contract and wrongful termination.
He is represented by William Rehwald with Rehwald Glasner & Chaleff in Woodland Hills, Calif.
Read the Top 8
Sign up for the Top 8, a roundup of the day's top stories delivered directly to your inbox Monday through Friday.
Additional Reads
-
Innocence question cuts at Glossip’s death penalty appeal April 28, 2023 -
