[Mick]

All of which may be true, but based on my limited understanding of defamation law, doesn’t rise to the standard of “actual malice”.  

BC

I'm not an expert, but as I understand it, "actual malice" doesn't refer to ill will, but whether the defendant knew a statement was false or consciously ignored a strong likelihood that it was false, hence the "reckless disregard." I believe that's what the complaint is trying to get across, that since the reporter had the actual copies of the investigation and knowingly made false statements regarding the investigations and refused to retract them, that should satisfy the legal standard.

[Mick]

All of which may be true, but based on my limited understanding of defamation law, doesn’t rise to the standard of “actual malice”.  

BC

I'm not an expert, but as I understand it, "actual malice" doesn't refer to ill will, but whether the defendant knew a statement was false or consciously ignored a strong likelihood that it was false, hence the "reckless disregard." I believe that's what the complaint is trying to get across, that since the reporter had the actual copies of the investigation and knowingly made false statements regarding the investigations and refused to retract them, that should satisfy the legal standard.