LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Kentucky jury has found a Louisville Metro Councilwoman defamed her legislative aide after a two-year legal battle.
On Monday, a jury agreed that Donna Purvis, D-5, falsely stated Denise Bentley stole, committed theft or misappropriated money in January 2022.
Bentley had been fired from her position after telling the councilwoman that she should not seek reelection after various issues in her service history that includes Purvis’ payment of property taxes.
Bentley’s attorney said the jury found Purvis made false statements about her “with knowledge of their falsity or with reckless disregard for their falsity.” The jury also believe Purvis’ statements were made “out of malevolence or ill will.”
Testimony was heard from witnesses confirming Purvis said Bentley had stolen time or funds from the city.
Even though Bentley didn’t take a hit on her reputation, a jury found Purvis liable for the statements she made.
The jury awarded $1 in punitive damages to Bentley after a four-day trial.
“I want to thank the jury for understanding how important it is to hold public officials accountable when they knowingly harm citizens in this community,” Bentley said in a statement. “The jurors’ words of compassion and empathy as they left jury service have reinforced to me that justice can be accomplished. For two years, I’ve asked Councilwoman Purvis to retract her false statements about me, and she refused. It took a Louisville jury to emphasize that this town does not permit an official to bully someone else out of public participation.”
Bentley’s attorney also noted that officials from the city invited Purvis to participate in the internal investigation following her allegations but failed to “substantiate any of her allegations against Bentley.”
The City of Louisville has footed Purvis’ legal bills in this lawsuit. However, the city can now purse compensation from Purvis since a jury found she acted with malice.
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