Hustler Wins Legal Ruling Over Family Of Nancy Benoit

Source: AJC.com

We've been covering the story that the family of the late Nancy Benoit has sued Hustler Magazine for publishing nude photos of her. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Hustler magazine won the first ruling last Friday:

Judge allows nude photos of Chris Benoit's wife

Hustler magazine has won the first round of a lawsuit filed by the estate of Nancy Benoit, which failed to prevent publication of nude photographs of the slain wife of former professional wrestler Chris Benoit.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Thrash on Friday denied Maureen Toffoloni's request for a temporary restraining order against publication of her daughter's pictures taken by photographer Mark Samansky 25 years ago.

Thrash based his decision on First Amendment rights that provide for freedom of expression. He cited the substantial volume of publicity and media attention surrounding the Benoit tragedy in saying Hustler magazine deserved that protection.