Johnson v Vallon, et al

Case Background

Amber Johnson filed a defamation lawsuit against supporters of a mayoral candidate who spread false rumors she was having an illicit affair with the candidate’s married opponent.

The case was tried in the Alabama Circuit Court, Mobile County. Judge Braxton Kittrell presided over this case. [Case number: 21-900063]

Cause

In April 2018, the City of Chickasaw hired Amber Johnson as its Library Director. She reported to the city’s library board, chaired by Barry Broadhead.

In March 2020, Broadhead announced his candidacy for mayor. The race was close, leading to a run-off election on October 6, 2020, against William Vallon.

The campaign turned hostile when some of Vallon’s supporters spread a false rumor claiming that Broadhead, a married man, was having an affair with Johnson. These supporters allegedly spread the rumor to sway votes in Vallon’s favor.

The rumor was shared on social media, particularly on the city’s Facebook group, “Chickasaw Talk.” Vallon’s wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Ashlyn Vallon Wyatt, moderated the group. Johnson asserts that several other Vallon supporters, including Christine Blake, Todd Dunn, William Smith, and Michelle Spinelli, also repeated the rumor.

Despite the smear campaign, Broadhead won the election. Johnson, however, felt the rumor caused her public humiliation and emotional distress. She demanded a retraction, but those who received her request did not comply. She proceeded to file a defamation lawsuit.

Damages

If successful at trial, Johnson sought compensatory damages of $5,000,000, plus punitive damages.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

  • Plaintiff(s): Amber Johnson
    • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Jeffrey R. Sport
  • Defendant(s): William Vallon | Jennifer Vallon | Ashlyn Vallon Wyatt | Christine Blake | Todd Dunn | William Smith | Michelle Spinelli
    • Counsel for Defendant(s): Pro se

Claims

Johnson filed a lawsuit against the three Vallons—William, his wife Jennifer, and their daughter Ashlyn—as well as against Blake, Dunn, Smith, and Spinelli. She accused them of libel and invasion of privacy.

Defense

All Defendants in this case represented themselves. They argued that they were entitled to immunity, downplayed Johnson’s alleged damages, and denied any wrongdoing.

Jury Verdict

The case was tried in Mobile. On October 30, 2024, the jury returned a mixed verdict, finding only Jennifer Vallon and her daughter Ashlyn liable. The other Defendants were cleared of all charges.

The jury awarded Johnson $300 in compensatory damages from both Jennifer and Ashlyn, totaling $600. Additionally, they assessed $500 in punitive damages against each defendant, amounting to $1,000. This brought Johnson’s total award to $1,600.

Court Documents:

Available for purchase upon request